ArticleCureus2025
Electromyographic Study on the Inhibitory Effects of Local Cold- and Hot-Water Bathing of the Upper Limb on Finger Flexor α-Motor Neuron Activity.
Article in Cureus, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Abstract
This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of cold and heat stimulation on α-ｍotor neuron activity and the associated pain, exploring their clinical applications. Twenty-four healthy young adults participated, undergoing four conditions: (1) cold-water finger immersion, (2) warm-water finger immersion, (3) warm-water forearm immersion, and (4) a control condition. Assessments included grip strength, integrated electromyography (IEMG) of finger flexor muscles, skin temperature, and pain perception. Cold-water finger immersion involved three sets of 5-second ice water immersion with 2-second breaks. Warm-water immersion (finger and forearm) lasted 10 min at 42°C. Measurements were taken before and at 5-minute intervals up to 20 min post-intervention, with pain assessed via the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Cold-water finger immersion significantly reduced grip strength, IEMG, and skin temperature while increasing NRS scores. In contrast, warm-water immersion had no significant effect. The cold-water condition also showed a prolonged skin temperature drop. These findings confirm that cold stimulation inhibits α-motor neuron activity, primarily due to pain, though the effect is temporary. Cold stimulation may improve range-of-motion (ROM) exercise performance, potentially preventing joint contractures. This suggests that cryotherapy could be a valuable approach for managing spasticity in post-stroke patients. Since finger flexor spasticity impairs activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL), reducing spasticity is crucial for ROM exercises.
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