AB1464-HPR Acute effects of cold – pack applied in different ways following fatigue on postural stability, proprioception and motor performance

Abstract

Background There is a lack of literature examining local cooling on postural stability, proprioception, and motor performance following fatigue. Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cold-pack applied on knee joint following fatigue on postural stability, proprioception, and motor performance in healthy subjects. It was hypothesised that fatigue might cause deficits in measurements of postural stability, proprioception, and motor performance and cold-pack treatment applied on knee joint in different ways might prevent this deficit. Methods Sixty healthy subjects (33 female, 27 male; age=22.00±1.37 years, height=169.62±9.21 cm, weight=63.48±12.61 kg) were participated in the study. Subjects had no history of lower extremity injury, vestibular or postural stability problems, proprioception problems, hip, knee, and ankle instability. Postural stability, knee proprioception and motor performance were assessed by Pedalo Sensamove System, Biodex System Pro 4, and Stair Climbing Test, respectively. The subjects were received a clinically-used fatigue protocol on a cycle ergometer. The Modified Borg's Rate of Perceived Exertion Scale has been used for fatigue determination. All assessments were performed three times at rest, immediately after fatigue and cold-pack treatment. Results There were no significant changes in terms of postural stability and knee proprioception after fatigue and cold-pack treatment compared to the condition at rest in all groups (p>0.05). However, motor performance was significantly decreased following fatigue compared to the condition at rest (p<0.05). Conclusions The hypothesis of this study, that fatigue could cause a deficit in measurement of motor performance was supported. On the other hand, postural stability and proprioception did not decrease following fatigue. According to the results of our study, we concluded that the subjects do not benefit from the use of cold-pack for compensating deficit in measurement of motor performance following fatigue. Disclosure of Interest None declared