Effects of Cooling on Ankle Muscle Strength, Electromyography, and Gait Ground Reaction Forces

Abstract

The effects of cooling on neuromuscular function and performance during gait are not fully examined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of local cooling for 20 min in cold water at 10°C in a climate chamber also at 10°C on maximal isometric force and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the lower leg muscles. Gait ground reaction forces (GRFs) were also assessed. Sixteen healthy university students participated in the within subject design experimental study. Isometric forces of the tibialis anterior (TA) and the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) were measured using a handheld dynamometer and the EMG was recorded using surface electrodes. Ground reaction forces during gait and the required coefficient of friction (RCOF) were recorded using a force plate. There was a significantly reduced isometric maximum force in the TA muscle (P < 0.001) after cooling. The mean EMG amplitude of GM muscle was increased after cooling (P < 0.003), indicating that fatigue was induced. We found no significant changes in the gait GRFs and RCOF on dry and level surface. These findings may indicate that local moderate cooling 20 min of 10°C cold water, may influence maximal muscle performance without affecting activities at sub-maximal effort.

Efeitos da crioterapia e da diatermia por micro-ondas sobre a capacidade de produção de força de flexores de cotovelo de homens saudáveis

“…In contrast to this study and others mentioned above, Halder et al 15 investigated the effect of cooling in MVIC of anterior tibialis and gastroc-nemius muscles using a dynamometer and found a significant reduction in anterior tibial strength. It is noteworthy that in this study, sample had legs submerged for 20 minutes in water at 10°C in a climate chamber also at 10°C.…”

CORP: Measurement of upper and lower limb muscle strength and voluntary activation

“…Muscle temperature can also influence maximal strength. Cooling by submersion of a limb in cold water (3-15°C) for~2 0 min decreases strength 10 -40% (41,80,88,90,96,111,149,167,185,189,261,332). However, warming by submersion of a limb in hot water (40°C) for 20 -40 min does not affect maximal strength (80,90,185,380).…”

Efficacy of cryo-airflow therapy on calf muscle spasticity in stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial

“…The significant functional improvement in ankle dorsiflexion ROM in patients of the studied groups is consistent with Boudarham et al who revealed that hemiplegic patients with spastic foot equinus improved their gait after wearing the ankle foot orthosis. It was found that the increase in ankle dorsiflexion during the stance and swing phases was the main adaptation in the measured spatiotemporal parameters of patients' ambulation [17]. The improvement in ankle ROM in our study patients was probably due to the sustained stretching effect of the calf muscle brought about by the ankle-foot orthosis which in turn controls the calf muscle spasticity and allowed more functional ROM during gait.…”