Changes in Muscle Contractile Properties after Cold- or Warm-Water Immersion Using Tensiomyography: A Cross-Over Randomised Trial

Abstract

Muscle contractile properties in clinical practice are often measured using either subjective scales or high-cost, inaccessible equipment. In this randomised cross-over study, we aimed to explore the use of tensiomyography (TMG) to assess changes in muscle contractile properties after cold- and warm-water immersion. The muscle contractile properties of the biceps femoris (BF) were assessed using TMG in 12 healthy active men (mean age 23 ± 3 years, Body Mass Index 22.9 ± 1.3 kg/m2) before and after a 20-min warm- or cold-water immersion over a period of 40 min. Muscle displacement (Dm) and contraction time (Tc) were registered as the main variables of the study. There was a significant condition by time interaction for Dm (p < 0.01). Post hoc analysis showed that, compared to the baseline, there was an increase in Dm 40 min after warm-water immersion (p < 0.01) and a decrease at 10 min after cold-water immersion (p < 0.01). No significant effect was found for Tc. Our results indicate that muscle contractile properties are affected by water temperature and time after the immersion; therefore, these factors should be taken into account when water-immersion is used as a recovery strategy.

Is Low-Frequency Electrical Stimulation a Tool for Recovery after a Water Rescue? A Cross-Over Study with Lifeguards

“…Both ES and PR maintained the contractile properties previous to the rescue. Results of present study are contrary to those observed by Mur Gimeno [20] and García-Manso et al [21], who observed TGM variables restoration after cold-water immersion application in healthy men and soccer players, respectively. However, the present findings are in agreement with previous literature, as ES seems to be ineffective regarding neuromuscular parameters restoration, such as torque production capacity [26][27][28] or electromyography activity [26].…”

“…This measurement is carried out under isometric conditions, in response to an electrical stimulus, and could provide important information on acute muscular responses to different exercise stimulus. Specifically, several investigations have highlighted the usefulness of TMG variables in detecting muscular changes following various kinds of exercise [16,17] and recovery methods [18][19][20][21]. In relation to recovery methods, published research has produced conflictive results regarding the effectiveness of different recovery strategies on TMG variables.…”

“…Low-frequency vibration recovery method and active recovery failed to demonstrated efficacy on restore TMG parameters after a cycling fatiguing exercise [18] and a soccer training session [19], respectively. However, muscle contractile properties assessed with TMG cold-water immersion were recovered after different water-immersion recovery protocols in healthy men [20] and soccer players [21].…”

Can spa rehabilitative interventions play a role for patients suffering from neurodegenerative disorders at the early stages? A scoping review

“…In addition, the spa setting, being suitable to provide sensory stimuli and external triggering, could offer a further contribution at the early stage of the disease, helping to change the movement from automatic to voluntarily controlled through the modulation of visuo-cerebellar and reticulo-spinal alternative motor pathways (Dacre et al 2021). Water temperature, on the other hand, can help in the reduction of muscle rigidity due to its effects on the autonomous nervous system and, in particular, on the relaxation that occurs as a result of the parasympathetic system activation (Becker et al 2009;Mur Gimeno et al 2020).…”

Influence of Heat Treatment on Muscle Recovery after Skeletal Muscle Injury in Rats

“…[ 6 ] On the other hand, several studies have shown that heat treatment is one of the effective stimuli on the skeletal muscle. Previous researchers[ 7 ] suggest that warm water soaking could be more effective than cold water to decrease muscle rigidity.…”