Now, Purohit and a colleague in AU's College of Education are gearing up for a research project to see if they can make a difference for some of the nation's 14 million diabetics. Purohit, a professor of large animal surgery and medicine in AU's Large Animal Clinic, and David Pascoe, an associate professor of health and human performance, are planning a project to determine if an exercise program will increase blood flow in diabetics. Purohit and Pascoe worked together three years ago when Alexander City- based Russell Corp. needed skin temperature information to select the fabric of the next generation of athletic wear. Their work in lab testing of skin temperature also helped in the design and manufacture of the latest carbon fiber firefighter suits. Purohit has also provided infrared photography to assist area physicians in identifying the problems caused by people dropping weights onto their feet, slipping on factory floors or suffering other injuries.
Nerve damage is a prime example, with blood flow restricted to a specific part of the body.
There might not be a bruise or a visible cut, but the surface temperature will indicate the presence or lack of blood circulation. The place where the injury or illness occurs is not necessarily the place where the body reveals it. The advantage of thermography is that it's non-invasive and that it detects only the temperature being emitted by the skin. Infrared is standard in human medicine, particularly in the detection of breast cancer and for neuromuscular, orthopedic and vascular disorders. For years, infrared photography has been used in industry and in military applications, such as in the design of smart bombs and surveillance equipment.