Abstract
1329 Cryotherapy (ice therapy) has been utilized for many years for its analgesic effects on pain as well as minimizing acute swelling. Research has established how cryotherapy decreases internal temperatures as well as increases analgesia in the treatment area (Meeusen 1986, Martin 2001, Bugaj 1975). Decreases in ankle medial/lateral proprioception have also been established following cryotherapy (Hopper 1997). Since ice application causes a decrease in sensation as well as changes in proprioception in certain types of ankle movements (inversion/eversion), this may translate into a decrease in balance. Purpose: To evaluate the effects of cold water application (cryotherapy) on single limb balance. Methods: Twenty subjects (10 male and 10 female) between the ages of 19 and 25 were assigned to the unilateral balance (UB) protocol of the Neurocom® Basic Balance Master™. Subjects were pre-tested on the Balance Master™ after which the dominant leg was placed in an ice bath for 20 minutes (60–66 degrees Celsius). Post testing immediately followed the treatment protocol. Results: A significant decrease was found in UB on the iced side (F(1, 19) = 23.99, p< .05, η2 = 0.558). CONCLUSIONS: Twenty minutes of cryotherapy decreases single leg balance. These results suggest cold therapy is contraindicated for immediate return to activity post cold therapy due to decreases in balance of the treated ankle.
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