University of New England

UNE researcher Nancy Quick to use new Thermal Imaging Processor for studies of physical therapy treatment of nerve injuries
 
The University of New England's Biomechanics Laboratory recently installed a Thermal Imaging Processor (TIP™) that will be used as a key component for studies of peripheral nerve injuries. 
 
Nancy Quick, PT, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, will use the Thermal Imaging Processor (TIP™), manufactured by Computerized Thermal Imaging, Inc. (CTI), to quantify changes in blood flow during physical therapy treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.  The CTI TIP™ system allows for measurement of very small temperature changes as a result of treatment.

Dr. Quick explained, “The CTI thermal imaging system provides an innovative and effective manner of examining physiological changes that occur during the application of various physical therapy techniques used to treat nerve injuries that would otherwise be very difficult to measure. The Information gained from this work will provide a framework for enhancing outcomes in the treatment of these disorders and will help guide future research in this area.”

A spokesman for CTI commented, “CTI is honored to have been selected to provide leading digital infrared technology to UNE for its peripheral nerve injury study. The CTI Thermal Image Processor coupled with the TIP Med Software well equips UNE’s research team to quickly and accurately collect data needed to successfully complete is peripheral nerve injury study. These kinds of opportunities play an important role in the contribution in the advancement of medical understanding. This valuable information received will assist in future product and customer service development.”

This study is funded in part by a grant through the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NICHD/NINDS HD050845).

(Press release issued May 23, 2006)