Int J Sports Med 2010; 31(3): 198-201
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1242812
Orthopedics & Biomechanics

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Cryotherapy Impairs Knee Joint Position Sense

R. Oliveira1 , F. Ribeiro2 , 3 , J. Oliveira3
  • 1Jean Piaget Institute, Health School of Vila Nova de Gaia, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
  • 2Physiotherapy Department, Health School of Vale do Sousa, Gandra PRD, Portugal
  • 3University of Porto, Faculty of Sport, Research Centre for Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Porto, Portugal
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision October 21, 2009

Publication Date:
17 December 2009 (online)

Abstract

The effects of cryotherapy on joint position sense are not clearly established; however it is paramount to understand its impact on peripheral feedback to ascertain the safety of using ice therapy before resuming exercise on sports or rehabilitation settings. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the effects of cryotherapy, when applied over the quadriceps and over the knee joint, on knee position sense. This within-subjects repeated-measures study encompassed fifteen subjects. Knee position sense was measured by open kinetic chain technique and active positioning at baseline and after cryotherapy application. Knee angles were determined by computer analysis of the videotape images. Twenty-minute ice bag application was applied randomly, in two sessions 48 h apart, over the quadriceps and the knee joint. The main effect for cryotherapy application was significant (F1.14=7.7, p=0.015) indicating an increase in both absolute and relative angular errors after the application. There was no significant main effect for the location of cryotherapy application, indicating no differences between the application over the quadriceps and the knee joint. In conclusion, cryotherapy impairs knee joint position sense in normal knees. This deleterious effect is similar when cryotherapy is applied over the quadriceps or the knee joint.

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Correspondence

Fernando Ribeiro

University of Porto

Faculty of Sport, Research Centre in Physical Activity

Health and Leisure

Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91

4200.450 Porto

Portugal

Phone: +351 225 074 700

Fax: +351 225 500 689

Email: fernando.silva.ribeiro@gmail.com

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