Affiliations: [a] Department of Hydrotherapy, Vocational School of
Health Sciences, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey | [b] Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health
Sciences, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey | [c] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,
Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Ozgur Surenkok PT, PhD, Baskent
University, Vocational School of Health Sciences, Eskisehir Yolu 20. km,
Baglica Kampusu, 06530, Ankara, Turkey. Tel.: +1 90 312 2341010 1635; Fax: +1
90 312 234 10 54; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: This study sought to assess knee joint position sense(JPS) and
static balance after application of cold-packs and spray. Fifteen healthy
basketball players volunteered to participate. Each subject underwent testing
first after cold pack application and then 1-week later cold spray application.
JPS, around-the-knee pain threshold, and 1-leg static balance were assessed in
all patients before and after cryotherapy. JPS was measured with an isokinetic
dynamometer. Static balance was assessed using a kinesthetic ability trainer. A
pressure algometer was used to measure pressure pain thresholds. Knees were
tested using continuous passive motion (CPM). Flexion and extension ranged from
0 to 90 degrees; passive movement was maintained at a velocity of 5 degrees per
second. Knee movement in both directions was stopped by pressing a button at
the mid point (45°) as a reference point. Regarding
1-leg static balance scores, significant differences were found before and
after cold pack application and between knee JPS and pain scores. Significant
differences also were found for JPS before and after cold spray application and
between JPS scores and pain; however, results on the 1-leg balance tests showed
no significant differences. No significant differences were found for 1-leg
static balance scores at 5 minutes after cryotherapy application. In this
study, we showed that JPS deficits occurred, and postural control was adversely
affected, with cryotherapy, and caution should be observed when athletes
immediately return to their chosen sport after cryotherapy application.
