THE INFLUENCE OF COLD IN PROPRIOCEPTION OF THE NORMAL KNEE JOINT

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine whether the therapeutic use of cold, affects proprioception when applied to the knee joint. Cryotherapy decreases sensory and motor nerve conduction velocities, which are necessary for a normal proprioceptive acuity. Normal proprioceptive acuity is necessary in order to avoid injuries of the musculoskelectal system. Sixty-four healthy volunteers, aged 18-25, moderately active men and women were recruited from a large sample of University students. Subjects were randomly assigned to either the control or the experimental group. The subjects of the experimental group were subjected to 20 min of temperature at constant (5ºC), with an ice application to the knee joint. The results showed that cold does not affect the joint position sense in a normal knee.