Effect of quadriceps muscle cryotherapy on plantar pressure variables during running

Cryotherapy is often used as an immediate treatment method to relieve the acute pain of soft tissue injuries. The current study aimed to investigate the direct effect of quadriceps muscles cooling with ice spray on plantar pressure variables during stance phase of running in male football players. Seventeen healthy male football players with the mean age of 23.7±3.3 years were recruited to participate in this study. Data were collected using a foot scan pressure-sensitive floor mat, which was flush mounted in the 10th m of a 15 m-long walkway. The software divided the foot into 10 separate anatomical regions. Participants were instructed to run before and after cryotherapy, which was established following a warm-up period using three trials along a 15 m walkway. After pretest, the subjects were asked to lie down in supine position, and ice spray was used for cryotherapy. Results of the present study showed significant increase in peak plantar pressure variables of hallux and first metatarsal areas of foot after cryotherapy during stance phase of running. The results suggest that cryotherapy during sporting events such as running may place the individuals in a vulnerable position.