Effects of Cold Application on Pressure Sensation, Two-Point Discrimination and Maximal Isometric Muscle Strength

Abstract

This study was conducted to ascertain the effect of cryotherapy on sensation of pressure, two-point discrimination (2PD) and maximal muscle  isometric force production, and how these effects varied with time. Fifty apparently healthy individuals were recruited, in a quasi-experiment, using  consecutive sampling. Participants’ age, height and weight were recorded while pressure sensation was determined using a 5 g monofilament while  muscle strength was measured using a hand dynamometer. Ten minutes of cooling of the right forearm and hand at 10˚C was administered  with 2PD ability measured pre-cooling, immediate post-cooling, as well as 5 and 10 minutes post-cooling using an adapted discriminator. Pre-  cooling pressure sensation, 2PD and maximal isometric hand grip strength were found to be 0.96±1.67 g, 1.67±0.67 mm and 35.3±10.2 N  respectively. Immediate post-cooling isometric hand grip strength (38.7±8.37 N), pressure sensation (1.00±0.00 g) and 2PD threshold (1.59±0.86  mm) were recorded. Muscle strength was also obtained 5 and 10 minutes post-cooling as 37.3±9.96 N and 38.8±10.8 N respectively. No significant  changes were observed in pressure sensation (p = 0.159) and 2PD ability (p = 0.508), and between maximal isometric muscle strength pre- and  immediately post-cooling (p = 0.685), and between pre- and 5 minutes post-cooling (p = 0.079). A significant difference, however, was observed  between maximal isometric strength pre-cooling and 10 minutes post-cooling (p = 0.008), with muscles showing greater isometric strength  postcooling (38.8±10.8 N). It was concluded that cryotherapy at 10˚C did not have deleterious effects on sensation and muscle strength but can  significantly improve the latter, and therefore can be employed preceding rehabilitation, strength training to improve athletic performance.