Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the amount of overlying adipose and intramuscular temperature change during and after a 20-minute crushed-ice pack treatment. Design and Setting: Subjects were divided into 3 equal groups according to calf skinfold thickness: 8 mm or less, 10 to 18 mm, and 20 mm or greater. Intramuscular temperature was monitored at 1 cm and 3 cm below the subcutaneous fat in the left medial calf during and after a 1.8-kg crushed-ice pack treatment. Subjects: Thirty uninjured college students volunteered to be subjects. Measurements: Intramuscular temperature was recorded every 10 seconds over a 20-minute treatment and for 30 minutes posttreatment. Results: Intramuscular temperature decreases between adipose groups at the end of treatment at both 1 cm and 3 cm below the subcutaneous fat were significantly different. At 1 cm within the muscle, the temperature decreases were 14.43°C, 9.06°C, and 5.00°C for 8-mm or less, 10- to 18-mm, and 20-mm or greater skinfolds, respectively. At 3 cm, temperatures were 6.22°C, 3.86°C, and 2.42°C, respectively. By 30 minutes posttreatment at 1 cm, the 8-mm or less and 10- to 18-mm groups rewarmed 5.39°C and 2.22°C, respectively, but the 20-mm or greater group was 0.49°C colder than at the conclusion of the treatment. At 3 cm, temperatures in all 3 groups were colder at 30 minutes posttreatment than they were at the end of the treatment, 1.63°C, 1.83°C, and 2.10°C for 8-mm or less, 10- to 18-mm, and 20-mm or greater skinfolds, respectively. Conclusions: The amount of adipose over the therapy site is a significant factor in the extent of intramuscular temperature change that occurs during and after cryotherapy. Adipose should, therefore, be taken into account in determining appropriate treatment protocols. Verf.-Referat