11458
document
Ankle cryotherapy facilitates soleus function . STUDY DESIGN A 2-factor ( group and time ) experimental design with repeated measures on time . OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of ankle cryotherapy on voluntary and resting motor function of the soleus over a 60-minute period . To determine if a relationship exists between changes in torque production and Hoffmann reflex ( H-reflex ) following ankle joint cryotherapy treatment . BACKGROUND Controversy surrounds the use of cryotherapy prior to activity and rehabilitation . While cooling muscle may have a deleterious effect on motor function , cooling the joint may enhance motor function around the joint . The H-reflex is a good resting measure of motoneuronal activity . However , its relationship to voluntary activity is unknown . METHODS AND MEASURES Thirty subjects were pretested ( baseline ) for normalized H-reflex ( defined as the ratio of maximum H-reflex [ Hmax ] to maximum direct motor response [ Mmax ] ) and peak plantar flexion torque . A crushed ice bag was placed over the ankle of 15 subjects for 30 minutes . H-reflex and torque measurements were collected immediately following the cryotherapy treatment at 30 , 60 , and 90 minutes . Surface temperatures were recorded from the ankle and electrode site with each measurement interval . RESULTS Both peak H-reflex and plantar flexion torque at 30 , 60 , and 90 minutes increased relative to baseline measurements . Each measurement was also greater than the corresponding control at 30 , 60 , and 90 minutes . A weak correlation ( r = 0.38 ; P = 0.036 ) existed between changes in H-reflex and plantar flexion torque at 30 minutes . CONCLUSIONS The soleus motoneuron pool is facilitated following a 30-minute crushed ice application to the ankle and over a 60-minute postcooling period . These data support the use of joint cooling prior to activity and rehabilitation .
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Intervention_Physical
Ankle cryotherapy
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Intervention_Physical
ankle cryotherapy
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Intervention_Physical
ankle joint cryotherapy
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Intervention_Physical
A crushed ice bag was placed over the ankle
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Intervention_Physical
crushed ice application
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Outcome_Physical
soleus function .
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Outcome_Physical
voluntary and resting motor function of the soleus
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Outcome_Physical
torque production
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Outcome_Physical
Hoffmann reflex ( H-reflex )
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Outcome_Physical
motor function
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Outcome_Physical
motor function
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Outcome_Physical
H-reflex
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Outcome_Physical
H-reflex
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Outcome_Physical
peak plantar flexion torque .
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Outcome_Physical
H-reflex
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Outcome_Physical
torque measurements
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Outcome_Physical
Surface temperatures
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Outcome_Physical
peak H-reflex
11477
Outcome_Physical
plantar flexion torque
11478
Outcome_Physical
H-reflex
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Outcome_Physical
plantar flexion torque
11480
Participant_Condition
soleus
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Participant_Condition
Thirty subjects