The effects of cooling on neuromuscular function and performance during gait are not fully examined.The purpose of this study\nwas to investigate the effects of local cooling for 20 min in cold water at 10?C in a climate chamber also at 10?C onmaximal isometric\nforce and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the lower legmuscles. Gait ground reaction forces (GRFs)were also assessed. Sixteen\nhealthy university students participated in the within subject design experimental study. Isometric forces of the tibialis anterior (TA)\nand the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) were measured using a handheld dynamometer and the EMG was recorded using surface\nelectrodes. Ground reaction forces during gait and the required coefficient of friction (RCOF) were recorded using a force plate.\nThere was a significantly reduced isometric maximum force in the TA muscle (P < 0.001) after cooling. The mean EMG amplitude\nof GM muscle was increased after cooling (P < 0.003), indicating that fatigue was induced.We found no significant changes in the\ngait GRFs and RCOF on dry and level surface.These findings may indicate that local moderate cooling 20 min of 10?C cold water,\nmay influence maximal muscle performance without affecting activities at sub-maximal effort.
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