Skin temperature of the knee was effectively reduced when using a new continuous cold-flow cryocompression device: a...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Continuous cold-flow cryocompression is a therapeutic modality used to manage pain and swelling.
• Optimal temperature settings for achieving therapeutic hypothermia in knee cryocompression are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify effective temperature settings on a novel continuous cold-flow cryocompression device.
• To determine which settings reduce knee skin temperature to the 10-15°C range, associated with pain and swelling reduction.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled crossover trial was conducted with 32 healthy adults.
• Skin temperature was measured using a thermocouple during 30-minute treatments with the device set at 6°C, 8°C, 10°C, 12°C, or a control condition.
• Time to reach <15°C and the difference between device and skin temperature were recorded.

Main Results:

• The 6°C setting resulted in a median skin temperature of 12.8°C, and the 8°C setting resulted in 14.3°C.
• It took 20 minutes at 6°C and 25 minutes at 8°C to reach <15°C.
• The difference between device and final skin temperature ranged from 5.7°C to 6.8°C across the tested settings.

Conclusions:

• The continuous cold-flow cryocompression device is recommended for clinical use.
• Settings of 6°C or 8°C effectively reduce knee skin temperature to the therapeutic 10-15°C range within 30 minutes.
• Further research is needed to optimize treatment duration for cryocompression therapy.