Termografia Infravermelha Quantitativa na Detecção de Biomarcadores Térmicos de Sobrecarga Musculoesquelética na Indústria Metalúrgica: Um Estudo Piloto Metodológico
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-9432.2026v5n6p40-57Abstract
Introduction: The metallurgical sector is characterized by production processes that impose high biomechanical loads, exposing workers to ergonomic risks and the development of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). Early detection of these alterations is often limited by the subjectivity of conventional assessments. Objective: To evaluate the technical feasibility of infrared thermography (IRT) in identifying thermal asymmetries in an angle grinder operator within the metallurgical industry. Methods: A quantitative methodological pilot study was conducted. An infrared sensor (FLIR C3) was used to capture images of the shoulder girdle during the work shift, following a rigorous protocol for environmental control (21°C) and skin emissivity (0.98). The primary parameter was the contralateral thermal gradient (ΔT), correlated with the occupational task and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: The analysis demonstrated high intra-session stability (CV < 0.1%). A significant thermal asymmetry of 0.56 °C was identified, with the right upper limb (33.44 °C) showing a higher temperature than the contralateral limb (32.88 °C). This differential is classified as a mild-to-moderate alteration, indicating functional overload and mechanical stress in the dynamic limb used for the task. The reported pain perception (VAS 6.0) converged with the thermal findings. Conclusion: Infrared thermography proved to be an objective and effective sensing tool for identifying thermal biomarkers of musculoskeletal overload. The validated protocol allows for the screening of incipient inflammatory processes, serving as a strategic tool for preventive ergonomic management in the Industry 4.0 framework.
Keywords: Infrared Thermography; Sensing; Ergonomics; Occupational Health; WMSDs.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Claudia Valéria Silvestre Rêgo Lacerda, Gabriel Gastélum Cuadras, José Alberto Frade Martins Parraça, Jani Cleria Pereira Bezerra, Davi Silva Fernandes, Ronaldo Vivone Varejão, Karollyni Bastos Andrade Dantas, Estélio Henrique Martin Dantas
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