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1993 - 1996 Research
September 2001 Research
- This report is based on clinical studies performed
by Dr. Ronald Riegal, DVM.
- The Clinical studies were conducted in Marysville,
Ohio between 1993 and 1996.
- Dr. Reigal was awarded an educational award from
Spruce Meadows for his publication "An Illustrated
Guide to Common Ailments of the Horse", 1997.
Heat Transfer
In
independently conducted equine studies, depth of penetration
of heat generated by the Thermotex™ infrared heat generating
device has been demonstrated. Through the use of invasive
thermal probe tests, Thermotex™ has been shown to radiate
heat to depths of 35 mm starting at the top of the dermis
into the muscle tissue. Thermotex™ outperformed the other
heating apparatus tested. The other devices tested were a
conventional heating blanket, a magnetic blanket, and a
moist heat blanket. All competitive heat devices were used
for the same length of time (20 minutes). All demonstrated
less ability to radiate heat to the same levels as Thermotex™.
All competitive devices radiated heat no further than 5 mm
from the top dermis over the same treatment time.
Repair
Thermograph
evidence (a video is available on request) depicts an area
of injury due to increases in heat build-up surrounding and
in the area of injury (which is a characteristic of
inflammation). Series of thermographs were taken prior to
treatment, immediately after treatment, and four hours after
treatment. In each case, the levels of heat radiating from
the injured area four hours after treatment with Thermotex™
were either:
1. Less than the original area displaying the injury, or
2. Not in evidence.
These results suggest a therapeutic outcome within a
four-hour period. The autonomic system of the horse would
normally not respond within this time frame.
Blood Chemistry
Blood tests
measuring SGOT levels were performed. SGOT are enzymes
discharged into the general circulatory system when muscle
distress (spasm) occurs. Blood samples were taken prior to
treatment with Thermotex™ and four hours after treatment.
SGOT levels returned to normal four hours after 20 minutes
of treatment with Thermotex™. This correlates directly with
the thermographic evidence as stated above. The absence of
heightened SGOT levels in the blood suggests that the muscle
distress has subsided.
Equine studies also show that Thermotex™ reduces the healing
time for skin wounds.
No other medical or veterinary treatments were used through
the course of these clinical trials.
Post Treatment Evidence
Racing equine
have track records that are public information. Typically,
as with their human athlete counterparts, the presence of
injury causes a reduction in their performance. When treated
with Thermotex™ (controlling for pathologies and no other
clinical intervention) the animals returned to their
original track records. Unlike their human counterparts,
horses have limited cognitive abilities. Therefore, it would
be very difficult to argue any precognition or anticipation
of outcome of a clinical intervention on the part of the
horse.
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