Isometric muscle contraction response during recovery from reduced intramuscular temperature

This study was done to determine the effects of a 30-minute cold water bath on intramuscular temperature and plantar flexion strength, immediately after treatment and during a 3-hour posttreatment recovery period. Twenty persons were tested twice, receiving treatment once and serving as controls once. Measurements were taken prior to the treatment period, immediately after treatment and then every 30 minutes for 3 hours. The dominant leg was submerged in water at 10 C for 30 minutes. Plantar flexion strength was measured with a cable tensiometer and intramuscular temperature was measured with a hypodermic thermistor probe. Intramuscular temperature significantly decreased immediately posttreatment on the experimental days and then increased significantly during the recovery period. Significant increases in strength were noted during the recovery period. A definite relationship exists between intramuscular temperature and plantar flexion strength.