Objectives : This study aimed to investigate temperature characteristics by heat transfer type of therapeutic modalities.
Methods : We selected heating and cooling modalities that are frequently used in clinical by heat transfer type: conduction, convection, radiation, and conversion. We used ham as tissue model, and applied the modalities for 30 minutes. We measured real-time changed temperature(℃) of the surface, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 ㎜ depth.
Results : 1. In conduction-using hot pack, ice pack, and CryoStamp heating-cooling combination therapy unit(40 ℃/∼15 ℃), the surface temperature sharply rose close to equilibrium in first 5 minutes.
2. In convection-using smokeless moxa, temperature slowly rose to the maximum at 25-minute elapsed time. But in another convection-using CRAiS cryotherapy device, result was similar to that of conduction.
3. In radiation-using infrared lamp, result was similar to that of conduction, but not reached equilibrium during applying time.
4. In conversion-using ultrasound device, temperature was the highest at 6 ㎜ depth, and not reached equilibrium during applying time.
Conclusions : We could comprehend temperature characteristics and proper use of modalities by heat transfer type. It would be necessary to consider in vivo physical conditions in further studies.

Keywords: Cryotherapy, Heat transfer, Temperature, Thermotherapy, Tissue model