The effects of ice immersion on concentric and eccentric isokinetic muscle performance in the ankle

• Published in: Isokinetics and exercise science 2000-01, Vol.8 (2), p.103-107
• Main Authors: HATZEL, B. M, KAMINSKI, T. W
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Striated muscle. Tendons; Vertebrates: osteoarticular system, musculoskeletal system
• ISSN: 0959-3020; 1878-5913
• DOI: 10.3233/ies-2000-0040

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of cryotherapy on isokinetic ankle strength immediately after ice immersion treatment. Concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) isokinetic ankle strength was measured on 20 male subjects using a Kin Com 125 AP (Chattanooga Group, Hixson, TN) isokinetic dynamometer. Plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, inversion and eversion motions were assessed at speeds of 60 degree /s and 120 degree /s before and immediately after an ice immersion treatment (10 degree C for 20'). Peak torque (PT) values were extracted from the maximal torque curves and used in the data analysis. ECC PT was higher than CON PT at both speeds and was not affected by ice immersion treatment. The only notable finding was a significant main effect for test (PRE vs. POST) for CON dorsiflexion ankle strength. The Tukey post hoc test determined that POST test PT values (39.7 plus or minus 12.7 Nm) were significantly lower than PRE test scores (45.9 plus or minus 11.2Nm). This finding suggests that CON dorsiflexion strength in the ankle may be adversely affected immediately after ice immersion application. Clinicians should still exercise caution when allowing athletes to return to competition immediately following ice immersion application to the lower leg.