Snippit is made possible by listeners like you.Please help support the podcast:► https://www.patreon.com/snippitscience
Review article (meta-analysis)
Do Thermal Agents Affect Range of Movement and Mechanical Properties in Soft Tissues? A Systematic Review
Chris M. Bleakley PhD and Joseph T. Costello PhD
Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Ulster Sports Academy, University of Ulster, Co Antrim, Ireland
Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Centre for Physical Activity and Health Research, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2012.07.023
Abstract
Objectives
To examine the effect of thermal agents on the range of movement (ROM) and mechanical properties in soft tissue and to discuss their clinical relevance.
Data Sources
Electronic databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and EMBASE) were searched from their earliest available record up to May 2011 using Medical Subjects Headings and key words. We also undertook related articles searches and read reference lists of all incoming articles.
Study Selection
Studies involving human participants describing the effects of thermal interventions on ROM and/or mechanical properties in soft tissue. Two reviewers independently screened studies against eligibility criteria.
Data Extraction
Data were extracted independently by 2 review authors using a customized form. Methodologic quality was also assessed by 2 authors independently, using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.
Data Synthesis
Thirty-six studies, comprising a total of 1301 healthy participants, satisfied the inclusion criteria. There was a high risk of bias across all studies. Meta-analyses were not undertaken because of clinical heterogeneity; however, effect sizes were calculated. There were conflicting data on the effect of cold on joint ROM, accessory joint movement, and passive stiffness. There was limited evidence to determine whether acute cold applications enhance the effects of stretching, and further evidence is required. There was evidence that heat increases ROM, and a combination of heat and stretching is more effective than stretching alone.
Conclusions
Heat is an effective adjunct to developmental and therapeutic stretching techniques and should be the treatment of choice for enhancing ROM in a clinical or sporting setting. The effects of heat or ice on other important mechanical properties (eg, passive stiffness) remain equivocal and should be the focus of future study.
Keywords
Cold temperature
Hot temperature
Joint range of motion
Muscle stretching exercises
Rehabilitation
Again, thank you to our podcast sponsor EliteForm, which brings together cutting edge sports science technologies. Please visit https://eliteform.com and check out their products, StrengthPlanner and PowerTracker.
Thanks again for listening. Please check out some of our other content below.
Please subscribe to Snippit:
► http://snippitscience.com
► https://snippitscience.podbean.com
► https://soundcloud.com/snippitscience
► http://bit.do/snippititunes
► http://bit.do/snippitspotify
► http://bit.do/snippityoutube
► http://bit.do/snippitnewsletter
► http://feed.podbean.com/snippitscience/feed.xml RSS
Explore our other content:
► https://bfrradio.podbean.com
► https://chrisgaviglio.com
► https://eliteform.com
► https://twitter.com/ChrisGaviglio
► https://twitter.com/Jared_CS
Follow SnippitScience on social media:
► https://twitter.com/snippitscience
► https://www.facebook.com/snippitscience
► https://www.instagram.com/snippitscience
► https://www.pinterest.com/snippitscience
► https://snippitscience.tumblr.com
► https://www.reddit.com/r/snippitscience
► https://snippitscience.wordpress.com
Please like, share, and comment below, subscribe at the top of the page, and help support the podcast:
► https://www.patreon.com/snippitscience