At a glance
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Use of a Continuous Cold-flow Cryocompression Device to Reduce the Skin Temperature of the Knee to the Therapeutic Range of 10-15℃: a Randomised Controlled Trial
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Cryocompression for Temperature Change, Body. Completed, enrolled 32 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
Cryotherapy after surgery is widely utilised and has numerous practical applications for post-operative rehabilitation. Previous research has suggested that during cold therapy, the skin temperature of the knee should be reduced to 10-15°C to maximise the therapeutic benefits of cooling while avoiding the risk of cold injuries such as nerve damage and frostbite (Wilke and Weiner, 2003; Bleakley, McDonough and MacAuley, 2004). The temperature range at which a device cryocompression device should be set in order to achieve a skin temperature within the therapeutic range of 10-15°C is unknown. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that the temperature of the device does not equal that to which the skin is reduced, plus different devices do not achieve the same reduction in skin temperature despite the ice-water within the knee sleeve being maintained at similar temperatures (Selfe et al., 2009). Therefore, it is not sufficient to assume that the temperature setting of a cryo-compression device reflects the skin temperature achieved. The aim of this study is to determine which temperature of ice-water flowing through a Physiolab S1 cryocompression device is able to reduce skin temperature around the knee to within the previously stated therapeutic range.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
A cryocompression device will be attached to the lower limb of participants using a cuff spanning from the mid-thigh to mid-calf. The device will exert a constant pressure of 25 mmHg throughout each test session. The device will pump temperature-controlled cold water through the cuff in order to reduce the skin temperature around the knee (and intra-articular temperature). Depending on the condition, the temperature of the water being pumped through the device will be either 6, 8, 10, or 12℃. Each test session will last for 30 minutes. Participants will take part in all conditions, with at least 24 hours rest in between test sessions. Skin temperature around the knee will be measured prior to the cryocompression device being applied; every 5 minutes during the 30 minute test; and every 5 minutes after the test until skin temperature \>15℃.