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Peripheral ankle cooling and core body temperature.
Riann M Palmieri1, J Craig Garrison, Jamie L Leonard
1Division of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, 401 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2214, USA. riannp@umich.edu
Journal of Athletic Training
|June 23, 2006
Summary
Applying ice to the ankle for 20 minutes, a common cryotherapy method, does not significantly lower core body temperature in healthy adults. This finding suggests localized icing is safe for core temperature regulation during therapeutic use.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Physiology
Background:
- Cold exposure triggers a sympathetic response to maintain core body temperature.
- Peripheral cold application, like icing, could potentially decrease core temperature, counteracting cryotherapy benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if applying an ice bag to the ankle complex affects core body temperature.
Main Methods:
- A within-subjects, repeated-measures design was employed with 23 healthy adults.
- Participants received a 20-minute ankle ice treatment on one occasion and a control (marbles) on another.
- Core, ankle, and soleus muscle temperatures were measured at multiple intervals before, during, and after treatment.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in core body temperature were observed after 20 minutes of ankle icing or during the subsequent recovery period.
- Average core temperatures were 36.72°C (cryotherapy) and 36.45°C (control), with no statistically significant difference.
Conclusions:
- A 20-minute cryotherapy application to the ankle joint does not alter core body temperature in healthy individuals.
- Localized ankle icing appears safe concerning core temperature regulation.