The Effect of Cryotherapy on Balance Recovery at Different Moments after Lower Extremity Muscle Fatigue

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of cryotherapy on the balance ability after lower extremity muscle fatigue. Twelve table tennis players were selected in this research. The static and dynamic balance abilities of the participants at six different moments were collected by a 1000 HZ Kistler force platform and Y balance test system. SPSS19.0 software was used to analyze the results of experimental indicators by selecting two-factor repeated measurement ANOVA. 1) From the moment of 24 h post intervention, the effect of cryotherapy on dynamic balance recovery was significantly better than no cryotherapy. 2) Except for the COP (Center of Pressure) maximum displacement on ML (Medium-Lateral axis) at the moment of 72 h post intervention, the cryotherapy had no positive effect on the recovery of static balance ability. 3) Cryotherapy has a significant negative impact on the COP maximum displacement in ML and AP (Antero-Posterior axis) at the moment of post cryotherapy, which may lead to the decline of static balance ability. It was not recommended to use cryotherapy for balance recovery if the competition was on the same day or within 24 h. However, the cryotherapy was recommended to use if the competition was in the next day or after the next day.

Keywords

• cryotherapy
• balance ability
• center of pressure
• muscle fatigue