Cryokinetic Intervention For An Individual Suffering From Muscular Fatigue Following Eccentric Exercises: A Case Study

Abstract

Background:

Muscle recovery following high-intensity eccentric exercises is a key focus in physiotherapy and athletic training. In this case study, cryokinetics- a combination of cryotherapy and therapeutic exercises, has been proposed as an effective intervention to enhance recovery. 

Aim:

This case study investigated the effects of cryokinetic treatment on various parameters of muscle recovery like perceived recovery, muscle soreness, joint range of motion (ROM) and joint position sense (JPS).

Methods:
A 20-year-old male, who was physically active, was recruited in this case study after pre-exercise screening and baseline assessments, including anthropometric measurements, muscle soreness, perceived recovery, ROM and proprioception. The participant performed a high-intensity eccentric exercise protocol (5 sets of 10 repetitions on a leg press) using the dominant leg. Cryokinetics, consisting of 10 minutes of cold pack application followed by 10 minutes of free exercises, was administered 1-hour post-exercise and repeated at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Measurements were recorded before and after the intervention at each session.

Results:

The participant exhibited a significant increase in muscle soreness immediately after the high-intensity eccentric exercise, with visual analogue scale (VAS) rising to 8/10, accompanied by reductions in pain free joint ROM (35°) and increases in proprioception errors (6°). Cryokinetics showed a progressive reduction in muscle soreness, with VAS scores decreasing to 6/10 at 24 hours, 4/10 at 48 hours, and 2/10 at 72 hours. ROM showed a gradual recovery, returning to baseline levels by 72 hours. Similarly, proprioception errors improved progressively, decreasing to 4° at 48 hours and returning to 2° at 72 hours, matching baseline values. Perceived recovery scores improved markedly, starting at 4 post-exercise and reaching a full recovery score of 10 at 48 and 72 hours.

Conclusion: This case study demonstrated that cryokinetics can provide substantial impact on muscle recovery following high-intensity eccentric exercises, effectively reducing muscle soreness, restoring joint function, and improving perceived recovery. These findings support the use of cryokinetics as a valuable recovery tool for athletes and individuals engaging in intense physical activity, warranting further exploration in larger studies.