Abstract

Background: The local application of cold or heat on the muscle is known to affect the muscle endurance which can be measured using the handgrip dynamometer.

Aims and Objectives: The present study has been done with the objective of studying the effects of cold water immersion and rewarming on the endurance of the hand and forearm muscles.

Materials and Methods: The study included 40 healthy medical students. The dominant hand and forearm were immersed in cold water for 5 min after which muscle endurance was determined using the handgrip spring-type dynamometer and this was followed by immersion of hand and forearm in hot water after which muscle endurance was again determined. Paired t-test was used to analyze the data.

Results: On comparing the muscle endurance after cold water immersion and rewarming, the results showed that there was a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the muscle endurance after rewarming.

Conclusion: The results demonstrate an increase in the hand and forearm muscle endurance after rewarming which may be beneficial for people working in meat packaging and cold storage industries. These industrial workers can immerse their hands in rewarming sinks intermittently which might enhance their work performance.

Key words: Endurance; Handgrip Dynamometer; Effects of Temperature