Department of Health and Human Performance Faculty Articles

Title

The effect of focal ankle cooling on spinal reflex activity in individuals with chronic ankle instability

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2009

Abstract

Evidence indicates focally cooling the ankle joint increases sole-us spinal reflex activity in healthy individuals. This response has not been confirmed in individuals with a history of joint pathology. This study used repeated measures to identify the effects of focal ankle cooling on soleus Hoffmann reflex and muscle response in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). This study included 24 college-aged volunteers (12 with chronic ankle instability, 12 with no history of ankle injury). An ice bag was applied to the ankle joint for 30 minutes as an intervention. Maximal soleus Hoffmann reflex and maximal muscle response ratio (Hmax:Mmax) was recorded prior to and following each session. The soleus Hmax:Mmax (P < .05) increased following the ankle ice bag application in both groups. No differences were detected between groups (P > .05). This observation of facilitation in the soleus motoneuron pool after ankle ice application in individuals with CAI and healthy ankles indicates CAI does not influence motoneuron recruitment following cryotherapy.

Publication Title

Athletic Training and Sports Health Care

Volume

1

Issue

2

First Page

59

Last Page

64

ISSN

1942-5864

DOI Number

10.3928/19425864-20090301-01

This document is currently not available here.

Find in your library

COinS