Cold effect on oxygen uptake, perceived exertion, and spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of a cold bath (24 degrees C) on oxygen consumption and perceived exertion during ambulation and on spasticity in individuals with mild to moderate multiple sclerosis.


METHODS
A repeated-measures design with random assignment of experimental and control conditions.


METHODS
Outpatient physical therapy department associated with an academic institution.


METHODS
Fourteen individuals with clinically definite multiple sclerosis exhibiting spasticity and capable of ambulating at 0.7 m/sec on a motorized treadmill without handrail support.


METHODS
Assessment of oxygen uptake, heart rate, and perceived exertion occurred during two 10-minute walks interspersed with a 30-minute rest on 2 separate days. Measurement of spasticity occurred three times during each session.


RESULTS
Oxygen consumption and perceived exertion were unchanged. Spasticity was higher immediately (p < .05) after the cold bath.


CONCLUSIONS
Increase in spasticity was statistically significant, but unlikely to be of any clinical importance. Contrary to our hypothesis, a cold bath (24 degrees C) for 20 minutes did not reduce oxygen consumption or rating of perceived exertion during ambulation.
Chiara
T
T
College of Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
Carlos
J
J
Martin
D
D
Miller
R
R
Nadeau
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001494:Baths; D001831:Body Temperature; D017679:Cryotherapy; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests