Work

Sex-Related Differences in Skin Temperature Responses Induced by Small-Sided Games Assessed Using Infrared Thermography

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Infrared thermography (IRT) has become a valuable non-invasive tool for monitoring exercise-induced physiological responses in soccer players. However, evidence regarding the influence of sex on skin temperature responses following soccer-specific exercise remains limited. This study compared changes in skin temperature (ΔTsk) and thermal asymmetry between women and men soccer players following a standardised small-sided game (SSG). Methods: Forty-six university soccer players (22 women and 24 men) completed a standardised 4 vs. 4 SSG. Thermographic images were acquired before (Pre), immediately after (Post), and 10 min after exercise (Post_10). Skin temperature changes (ΔPost–Pre, ΔPost_10–Post, and ΔPost_10–Pre) and bilateral thermal asymmetries were calculated for the anterior and posterior thigh and lower leg. Between-sex comparisons were performed using independent-samples Student's t-tests, and effect sizes were estimated using Hedges' g. Results: Women players exhibited significantly greater increases in ΔTsk than men players across most anatomical regions. The largest differences were observed during recovery (ΔPost_10–Pre), when all regions demonstrated greater thermal responses in women (p < 0.001), with large to very large effect sizes (g = 1.42–1.89). In contrast, thermal asymmetry did not differ significantly between sexes at any anatomical region or assessment time point (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Women soccer players demonstrated a greater acute thermoregulatory response than men players following an SSG, particularly during the early recovery period, whereas thermal asymmetry remained stable regardless of sex. These findings indicate that sex should be considered when interpreting exercise-induced skin temperature responses and suggest that assessment performed 10 min after exercise represents the most sensitive time point for detecting physiological differences using infrared thermography.

Source: Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

DOI: 10.3390/jfmk11040397