Cryotherapy and Laser Therapy on Muscle Damage

Overview

This study propose investigate the effect of cryotherapy and laser therapy in response to strenuous exercise-induced muscle damage on the biceps brachii muscle (muscle of the arms). All the individuals underwent to an strenuous exercise protocol (2 series of 10 contractions of non-dominant elbow flexors) and three assessments (pre, post and 48hr after the exercise), composed of pain sensation, measure of the strength and muscle activation.

Full Title of Study: “Cryotherapy and Laser Therapy do Not Interfere in the Response to Eccentric Exercise-induced Muscle Damage: a Randomized Clinical Trial.”

Study Type

  • Study Type: Interventional
  • Study Design
    • Allocation: Randomized
    • Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
    • Primary Purpose: Treatment
    • Masking: None (Open Label)
  • Study Primary Completion Date: December 2013

Interventions

  • Other: Cryotherapy
  • Device: Laser therapy

Arms, Groups and Cohorts

  • Experimental: Cryotherapy
    • To the cryotherapy group a 1kg ice pack was strapped over the entire brachial biceps muscle and adjacent muscles of the arm under study using a bandage, and the application lasted 25 minute laser
  • Experimental: Laser therapy
    • The laser therapy group received laser application to the muscle belly of the non-dominant upper limb brachial biceps at four different points.
  • No Intervention: Control
    • The control group did not undergo any intervention and remained at rest for 25 minutes.

Clinical Trial Outcome Measures

Primary Measures

  • Pain sensation
    • Time Frame: Within the first 3 days
    • Through the VAS (visual analogue scale).

Secondary Measures

  • Strength
    • Time Frame: Within the first 3 days
    • The strength will be measure through isokinetic dynamometry and the variables analyzed will be peak torque normalized for body weight and power.
  • Muscle activation
    • Time Frame: Within the first 3 days
    • Measured by surface electromyography.

Participating in This Clinical Trial

Inclusion Criteria

  • Female sex – Aged between 18 and 28 years – Healthy, considered active according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire -Short Form (IPAQ) – Engaging in physical activity involving upper limbs at least 2 times a week – Exhibiting shoulder joint, elbow and non-dominant hand integrity – Not having a history of osteo-myoarticular injuries in the assessed limb in the last 6 months, or neurological, visual and/or non-corrected auditory impairments. – Furthermore they could not be allergic to ice (verified by the ice cube test) or any absolute contraindication for the use of laser (cancer and pregnancy). Exclusion Criteria:

  • Not understanding the commands given in the protocols and/or inadequate performance during assessments.

Gender Eligibility: All

Minimum Age: 18 Years

Maximum Age: 28 Years

Are Healthy Volunteers Accepted: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Investigator Details

  • Lead Sponsor
    • Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
  • Provider of Information About this Clinical Study
    • Principal Investigator: Jamilson Simões Brasileiro, Jamilson Simões Brasileiro – Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

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