Recovery profiles of eccentric hamstring strength in response to cooling and compression

J Alexander; J Jeffery; D Rhodes

doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.03.010

Recovery profiles of eccentric hamstring strength in response to cooling and compression

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Jul:27:9-15. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.03.010. Epub 2021 Mar 28.

Authors

J Alexander¹, J Jeffery², D Rhodes³

Affiliations

¹ Sport, Nutrition and Clinical Sciences, School of Sport & Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. Electronic address: JAlexander3@uclan.ac.uk.
² Everton Football Club, Finch Farm, Merseyside, UK.
³ Institute of Coaching and Performance (ICaP), School of Sport & Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK.

PMID: 34391318
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.03.010

Abstract

Introduction: The effectiveness of different forms of cryotherapy and combined compression (cryo-compression) commonly used in sport to enhance recovery following exercise are not fully understood. Therefore, the exploration of protocols that use contemporary cryo-compression is warranted. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of using a cryo-compression device to recover hamstrings eccentric strength following a fatiguing exercise.

Methods: Eighteen healthy male adult footballers were randomly allocated to receive cryo-compression or rest following a lower limb fatiguing protocol. Cryo-compression was applied for 15-min, target temperature of 10 °C, and high intermittent pressure (5-75 mm Hg) using the Game Ready® device. Rest consisted of 15-min in a prone position on a plinth. To induce hamstring fatigue, participants performed the Yo-Yo intermittent fatigue test (IFT). Skin surface temperature (T_sk) and hamstring eccentric strength measures were taken at three time points; pre-IFT, immediately post-fatigue test (IPFT), and immediately post-intervention (IPI) (rest or Game Ready®). Participants returned one week later and performed the Yo-Yo IFT again and were exposed to the opposite intervention and data collection.

Results: Significant decreases in T_sk over the posterior thigh were reported for all timepoints compared to pre cryo-compression temperatures (p=<0.05). Overall data displayed no significant main effects for timepoint or condition for PT or AvT (p=<0.05). There was no timepoint × condition interaction for PT or AvT (p=<0.05). Collapse of the data by condition (CC/R) demonstrated no significant effect for time for PT or AvT (p=>0.05).

Conclusions: No significant changes in HES occurred after exposure to cryo-compression or rest applied immediately following the Yo-Yo IFT. Further investigations to maximise beneficial application of contemporary cryo-compression applications in sport are required. Multiple measures of performance over rewarming periods, within competitive training schedules after sport-specific training are required to develop optimal cooling protocols for recovery.

Keywords: Cryotherapy; Hamstring muscles; Skin temperature; Sports; Torque.

MeSH terms

Adult
Exercise
Exercise Test
Hamstring Muscles*
Humans
Male
Muscle Strength*
Muscle, Skeletal
Thigh