21st Annual Student Research Conference
The Effect of Cryotherapy on Isometric Maximal Grip Strength
Devon B. Lacy* and Josh H. Miley
Dr. Jeremy Houser, Faculty Mentor
The longitudinal affects of cryotherapy on maximal isometric grip strength of males and females were examined. College males (n=10) and females (n=13) free of upper extremity injuries volunteered to fully immerse their non-dominant forearm into an ice bath (10°C) with the hand not submersed. Maximal grip strength was measured at initial submersion, then at 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes intervals using a hand dynamometer (Jamar, Model 68840). As expected, males were significantly stronger than females in grip strength (p<0.001). However, the strength declines for each gender were similar across the intervals (p=0.25). Grip strength decreased significantly by 15% in males and 10% in females over time. Thus, cryotherapy does affect the maximal grip strength similarly in both males and females and does produce a substantial decrease in strength.
Keywords: cryotherapy, ice, grip strength, hand dynamometer
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 7-5
Location: OP Lobby
Time: 4:15