A Comparison of Three Cryocompression Therapies on Patient Satisfaction, Skin Temperature, and Intramuscular Temperature

Authors

• Valerie W. Herzog, Utah Tech UniversityFollow
• Aaron Petersen, Victoria UniversityFollow
• Nancy Weston, Weber State UniversityFollow
• Justin Valdez, Weber State UniversityFollow
• Kyle Lindley, Weber State UniversityFollow
• Samantha Rollins, Weber State UniversityFollow
• Zachary Simmons, Weber State UniversityFollow
• Baylee Blanchard, Weber State UniversityFollow
• Hannah Dickinson, Weber State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Many cryotherapy modalities are available with varying prices. This study compared the effectiveness of the Game Ready 2.1 Pro, the NICE1 System, and a frozen elastic bandage with a non-stick coating layer in lowering intramuscular temperature in recreationally-active individuals. Method:  Twenty-four participants who exercised three times per week and had a posterior lower-leg skinfold thickness of no more than 1.5 cm volunteered to participate in this crossover study with repeated measures. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the counterbalanced treatment orders and received all three treatments at least 72 hours apart. Skin temperature and intramuscular temperature (measured 1 cm deep to subcutaneous fat layer) was recorded every 5 minutes during the 30-minute treatment sessions and for 25 minutes post-treatment using the Thermes-USB device. Participants reported their satisfaction after each treatment. Results:  There was a statistically significant difference in intramuscular temperature between the three modalities (F1,22=10.75=10.75, PConclusions: The Game Ready 2.1 and NICE1 System reduced the intramuscular temperature more than the frozen elastic bandage. Participants were slightly more satisfied with the Game Ready 2.1Pro, but equally satisfied overall with all three modalities. If cost is a factor, the frozen elastic bandage may be a viable option for cryocompression.

Author Bio(s)

Valerie W. Herzog, EdD, LAT, ATC is Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Utah Tech University in St. George, UT. She is also a licensed athletic trainer in the state of Utah.

Aaron Petersen, PhD is an Associate Professor in Exercise Physiology at Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia.

Nancy Weston, DNP, RN, CNE is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Weber State University in Ogden, UT.

Justin Valdez, MS, LAT, ATC is an Adjunct Faculty member and Academic Advisor at Weber State University, Ogden, UT

Kyle Lindley, MS recently graduated from the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program at Weber State University in Ogden, UT.

Samantha Rollins, MS, LAT, ATC recently graduated from the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program at Weber State University in Ogden, UT.

Zachary Simmons, MS, LAT, ATC recently graduated from the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program at Weber State University in Ogden, UT.

Baylee Blanchard, MS, LAT, ATC recently graduated from the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program at Weber State University in Ogden, UT.

Hannah Dickinson, BS recently graduated from the Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences at Weber State University in Ogden, UT.

Acknowledgements

N/A

Recommended Citation

Herzog VW, Petersen A, Weston N, Valdez J, Lindley K, Rollins S, et al. A Comparison of Three Cryocompression Therapies on Patient Satisfaction, Skin Temperature, and Intramuscular Temperature. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Sep 01;24(3), Article 23.