Effects Of Thermotherapy And Cryotherapy On Muscle Hypertrophy And Muscle Contraction Force Following Resistance Exercise

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Physical therapists seek to improve skeletal muscle contraction force and muscular hypertrophy in the most time efficient manner. Different types of modalities that are applied post-therapy may have an effect on these improvements. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of thermotherapy (THERM) and cryotherapy (CRYO) on skeletal muscle contraction force and muscle hypertrophy of the biceps muscle following a high volume and medium intensity resistance exercise program. METHODS: Thirty one (31) subjects were randomly assigned to THERM, CRYO and control (CON) groups. Upper arm girth measurements (1/3, 1/2, and 2/3 of the upper arm length) and 1-RM tests were performed prior to any resistance training, and at 2, 4, and 6 weeks during training. RESULTS: Results showed no significant % change (p> 0.05) between the treatments on muscle hypertrophy (THERM: 0.804+3.3%; CRYO: -0.123+1.6%; CON: 0.286+1.5%) and skeletal muscle contraction force (THERM: 25.57+12.0%; CRYO: 19.15+14.0%; CON: 26.54+21.8%) following six weeks of resistance exercise program. A significant (p<0.0001) increase in skeletal muscle contraction force over time was observed in all three groups. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that neither modality resulted in a significant change in muscle contraction force or muscle hypertrophy following resistance exercise, however it does demonstrate a significant increase in skeletal muscle contraction force over time.