Effects of ice and recovery time on maximal involuntary isometric torque production using electrical stimulation

This study was conducted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the U.S. Army-Baylor University Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, Academy of Health Sciences, Fort Sam Houston, TX. The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or representing the views of the Department of the U.S. Army or the Department of Defense. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 30-minute ice treatments to the quadriceps femoris muscle and subsequent recovery time on involuntary isometric torque production (the dependent variable) using the Electrostim 180-2. Twenty healthy, male subjects (age 18-35) on active military duty completed the study. Each subject served as his own control. Collected data included maximum current tolerated during electrical stimulation and maximum involuntary isometric torque production pretreatment, immediately posttreatment, and 90 minutes posttreatment. From the statistical analysis, it was concluded that ice application did not significantly affect an individual's ability to tolerate more electrical current or to produce higher maximum involuntary isometric contraction (MIIC) torque values. Results showed a wide variation in subjective response to electrical stimulation. Suggestions for further research and implications for the clinical use of ice in combination with electrical stimulation modalities are discussed. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1991;13(5):240-248.