The acute effect of cold pack applied for different periods on the biomechanical properties of the rectus femoris muscle of healthy individuals: a randomized experimental study
Abstract Background Cold packs are silica gel packs that are the most commonly used modalities in spots clinics. In the present study, we investigated the acute effect of different periods of cold pack application, on the biomechanical properties of the rectus femoris muscle of healthy individuals. Methods This study is a randomized experimental study. Sixty individuals (18–23 age) were randomly divided into four groups. The cold packs were applied for 10 minutes (Group 1), 12 minutes (Group 2), 15 minutes (Group 3), and 20 minutes (Group 4). The temperature of the skin (thermal camera) and the biomechanical properties evaluations of the muscle (Myoton Pro) were measured (before and immediately after, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 minutes after the application). Results After the application, while Group 1 and 2 showed an increase in muscle tone and stiffness and a decrease in elasticity (p < 0.05), they began to approach their pre-application state by the fifth and fifteenth minutes, respectively (p > 0.05). In Group 3 and 4, the muscle stiffness was increased at all time points (p < 0.05). Conclusions The results of this study show that the rectus femoris muscle of healthy people becomes stiffer and less elastic as a result of cooling with a cold pack applied for different time periods. The duration that affects the biomechanical properties of the muscle least and provides optimum cooling is the 10-minute cold pack application. Trial registration: Ethical approval The Research Ethics Committee of Acıbadem University and Acıbadem Healthcare Group has approved the study (reference no. ATADEK-2019/17/19) and retrospectively registered clinical trial number (NCT04277481, February 20, 2020). All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration. Verbal and written consent was obtained from all participants.