title: Effects of whole-body cryotherapy (-110 °C) on proprioception and indices of muscle damage.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on proprioceptive function, muscle force recovery following eccentric muscle contractions and tympanic temperature (T(TY) ). Thirty-six subjects were randomly assigned to a group receiving two 3-min treatments of -110 ± 3 °C or 15 ± 3 °C. Knee joint position sense (JPS), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the knee extensors, force proprioception and T(TY) were recorded before, immediately after the exposure and again 15 min later. A convenience sample of 18 subjects also underwent an eccentric exercise protocol on their contralateral left leg 24 h before exposure. MVIC (left knee), peak power output (PPO) during a repeated sprint on a cycle ergometer and muscles soreness were measured pre-, 24, 48 and 72h post-treatment. WBC reduced T(TY) , by 0.3 °C, when compared with the control group (P<0.001). However, JPS, MVIC or force proprioception was not affected. Similarly, WBC did not effect MVIC, PPO or muscle soreness following eccentric exercise. WBC, administered 24 h after eccentric exercise, is ineffective in alleviating muscle soreness or enhancing muscle force recovery. The results of this study also indicate no increased risk of proprioceptive-related injury following WBC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland. joseph.costello@ul.ie
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Costello
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Algar
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Donnelly
mesh_terms: D001831:Body Temperature; D017679:Cryotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D059408:Pain Management; D011434:Proprioception / Q000502:physiology*; D020886:Somatosensory Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D055815:Young Adult