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Effect of segmental, localized lower limb cooling on dynamic balance
Roger E Montgomery1, Geoffrey L Hartley, Christopher J Tyler
11Environmental Ergonomics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, CANADA; and 2Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, UNITED KINGDOM.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|May 30, 2014
Summary
Cooling larger parts of the legs progressively impairs dynamic balance. Thermal protection should prioritize maintaining thigh muscle temperature for optimal performance and safety.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Human Physiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Cold water immersion is used for recovery and performance.
- The impact of cooling extent on lower extremity function is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how cooling larger areas of the lower extremities affects dynamic balance.
- To assess the influence of progressive cooling on neuromuscular activation.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy males underwent cold water immersion of the ankle, knee, or hip.
- Dynamic balance was evaluated using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT).
- Surface electromyography (EMG) measured muscle activation during the SEBT.
Main Results:
- Cooling the hip significantly reduced SEBT reach distances.
- Ankle and knee cooling showed minimal impact on dynamic balance.
- Muscle activation remained largely unaffected, except for a trend in the lateral gastrocnemius.
Conclusions:
- Progressively cooling larger lower extremity regions negatively impacts dynamic balance.
- Maintaining thigh muscle temperature is crucial for thermal protection strategies.
