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Changes in local blood volume during cold gel pack application to traumatized ankles
M Weston1, C Taber, L Casagranda
1NovaCare Inc., Sacramento, CA 95833.
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Applying cold gel packs to ankle injuries reduces local blood volume, preventing reactive vasodilation. This finding supports the use of cold therapy for soft tissue trauma to limit swelling.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Cold therapy is commonly used after soft tissue trauma to reduce edema.
- A key clinical question is whether cold application causes reactive vasodilation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure local blood volume changes during cold gel pack application.
- To determine if cold therapy causes reactive vasodilation after ankle sprains.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen volunteers with ankle inversion sprains participated.
- Bilateral tetrapolar impedance plethysmography with venous occlusion measured ankle blood volume.
- Measurements were taken during rest and 20-minute cold gel pack application.
Main Results:
- Cold gel pack application significantly reduced local blood volume compared to rest.
- No significant reactive vasodilation response was observed during cold application.
Conclusions:
- The absence of vasodilation supports the clinical efficacy of cold gel packs for ankle soft tissue trauma.
- Cold therapy up to 20 minutes appears safe and effective for limiting edema in ankle injuries.