Changes in landing mechanics after cold-water immersion.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of cold-water immersion on kinematics and kinetics during a drop-landing task. On four separate occasions, 9 men performed drop-landings from a 0.6-m platform to a force platform following 30-min immersion to the hip-joint in thermoneutral water (control; 34 degrees C) and in cold water (20 degrees C) to the ankle (low level), knee (medium level), and hip (high level) joints. Sagittal plane kinematics and kinetics were determined. One-way repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. Compared to the control, the low-level condition had similar joint mechanics, the medium level showed 26% less ankle mechanical work (p = .003), and the high level showed 9% less vertical ground reaction force (p = .025) and 23% less ankle mechanical work (p = .023) with 18% greater trunk flexion (p = .024). In summary, the low-level cold-water immersion had no effect on landing mechanics. The medium- and high-level cold-water immersion resulted in a reduction in impact absorption at the ankle joint during landing. The increased trunk flexion after high-level immersion helped dissipate landing impact.
Wang
He
H
School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science at Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, USA. hwang2@bsu.edu
Toner
Michael M
MM
Lemonda
Thomas J
TJ
Zohar
Mor
M
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003080:Cold Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007101:Immersion; D007596:Joints / Q000502:physiology*; D007700:Kinetics; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D015999:Multivariate Analysis