Pharmacy, Health Sciences & Exercise Science

The Effect of Cold Versus Hot Water Immersion on Lower Extremity Balance

Presenter Information

Kelsey Wagner, Hanover College

Document Type

Oral Presentation

Location

Indianapolis, IN

Subject Area

Pharmacy, Health Sciences & Exercise Science

Start Date

11-4-2014 10:15 AM

End Date

11-4-2014 11:45 AM

Description

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of cold versus hot water immersion, and moderate warm-up on lower extremity balance. This study received approval from the Hanover College Institutional Review Board with regard to the use of human subjects.

Methods: Twenty five female subjects participated in the study. Participants were Hanover College students with an average age of 20 years. Prior to testing, participants were asked to fill out a pre-test survey in order to gauge daily physical activity levels and prior injury. If subjects were injured recent and with possible confounding effects, they were omitted from the study. The subject then participated in a familiarization trial in which they practiced the Y-Balance Test. The following three trials were randomized and completed on separate days: cold water immersion, hot water immersion, or a moderate warm-up performed on a cycle ergometer. Prior to and following each treatment the subject performed the Y- Balance test.

Results and Discussion: Data collection is ongoing at the present time. However, pilot data indicated that hot water immersion improved balance scores and that cold water immersion had a negative effect. It is suggested that warming the muscles and joints may improve balance. Such warming can occur from the outside (hot water immersion) or from the inside (increased metabolism from contracting muscles).

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Apr 11th, 10:15 AM Apr 11th, 11:45 AM

The Effect of Cold Versus Hot Water Immersion on Lower Extremity Balance

Indianapolis, IN

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of cold versus hot water immersion, and moderate warm-up on lower extremity balance. This study received approval from the Hanover College Institutional Review Board with regard to the use of human subjects.

Methods: Twenty five female subjects participated in the study. Participants were Hanover College students with an average age of 20 years. Prior to testing, participants were asked to fill out a pre-test survey in order to gauge daily physical activity levels and prior injury. If subjects were injured recent and with possible confounding effects, they were omitted from the study. The subject then participated in a familiarization trial in which they practiced the Y-Balance Test. The following three trials were randomized and completed on separate days: cold water immersion, hot water immersion, or a moderate warm-up performed on a cycle ergometer. Prior to and following each treatment the subject performed the Y- Balance test.

Results and Discussion: Data collection is ongoing at the present time. However, pilot data indicated that hot water immersion improved balance scores and that cold water immersion had a negative effect. It is suggested that warming the muscles and joints may improve balance. Such warming can occur from the outside (hot water immersion) or from the inside (increased metabolism from contracting muscles).