Vascular conductance is reduced after menthol or cold application.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of commercially sold menthol (3.5%) ointment and cold application on blood flow in the forearm.


METHODS
: Prospective counterbalanced design.


METHODS
University research laboratory.


METHODS
Twelve (6 men and 6 women) college-aged students.


METHODS
Each participant had blood flow measured in the brachial artery for 5 minutes before and 10 minutes after menthol ointment or cold application to the forearm.


METHODS
Blood velocity, arterial diameter size, and blood pressure were recorded during testing procedures. Vascular conductance was calculated based on these measures and used to describe limb blood flow.


RESULTS
We observed a significant reduction (35%; P = 0.004) in vascular conductance within 60 seconds of menthol and cold application to the forearm. Vascular conductance remained significantly reduced for 10 minutes by approximately 19% after both menthol and cold application [F(2.313, 43.594) = 10.328, P < 0.0001]. There was no significant difference between conditions [F(1, 19) = 0.000, P = 0.945].


CONCLUSIONS
The application of a 3.5% menthol ointment significantly reduces conductance in the brachial artery within 60 seconds of application, and this effect is maintained for at least 10 minutes after application. The overall decline in conductance is similar between menthol ointment and cold application.
Olive
Jennifer L
JL
Department of Exercise Science, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA, USA. jenniferolive@yahoo.com
Hollis
Brandon
B
Mattson
Elizabeth
E
Topp
Robert
R
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000982:Antipruritics / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001132:Arm / Q000098:blood supply*; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000187:drug effects; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001916:Brachial Artery; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008610:Menthol / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D009824:Ointments / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013334:Students; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
D000982:Antipruritics; D009824:Ointments; D008610:Menthol