Acute Effects of Cryotherapy Duration in Healthy Individuals

Cryotherapy is a practice that induces therapeutic effects by reducing tissue temperature to produce an analgesic effect. Cryotherapy application methods vary from simple ice packs and cold water immersion to whole body cryotherapy methods. The purpose of cryotherapy treatment is to reduce tissue damage, muscle spasm, edema and pain and to provide a faster rehabilitation process after injury. It is also used as a recovery technique after high-intensity training in different sports branches. Despite the proven benefits of cryotherapy according to the literature, discussions continue about its effect on some parameters and there is no consensus on the duration of cryotherapy application. In addition, although there are studies on the effects of cryotherapy on the lower extremities, studies for the upper extremity are limited and the results of these studies are inconsistent. In the literature, no study was found that evaluated the effect of cryotherapy application time on shoulder muscle strength, endurance, flexibility and balance. Therefore, in this study, the acute effects of cryotherapy duration on shoulder muscle strength, flexibility, endurance and dynamic balance in healthy individuals will be investigated and the optimum duration of cryotherapy on these parameters will be determined. In addition, the results of the research will contribute to the planned rehabilitation and exercise program.