Effect of Trigger Point Cryostimulation on Exercise-Induced Tremor in Adolescent Swimmers

Overview

This study examines whether local cryostimulation of myofascial trigger points can reduce physiological tremor that occurs after intense physical exercise. Thirty-four adolescent competitive swimmers participate in a randomized crossover study comparing two conditions: local ice stimulation of trigger points and a control condition without intervention. Physiological tremor of the lower limbs is measured using accelerometry before and after a 30-second maximal tethered swimming effort. The study aims to determine whether targeted cryostimulation can attenuate exercise-induced neuromuscular tremor and improve post-exercise motor stability in young athletes.

This study investigates whether targeted cryostimulation of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) can attenuate exercise-induced physiological tremor in adolescent swimmers. The study uses a randomized reversed crossover design in which each participant completes two experimental conditions: local cryostimulation of identified trigger points and a control condition without intervention. Thirty-four competitive adolescent swimmers participate in the study. Physiological tremor of both lower limbs is measured using triaxial accelerometry under standardized conditions before and after a maximal 30-second tethered swimming effort. In the cryostimulation condition, cold packs are applied for 60 seconds to identified myofascial trigger points in the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups. In the control condition, no cryostimulation is applied prior to exercise. The primary outcome is the change in tremor power in the 2-5 Hz frequency band following exercise. Secondary outcomes include tremor power in the 9-14 Hz frequency band and tremor frequency parameters. Tremor signals are analyzed using frequency-domain analysis based on power spectral density calculations derived from accelerometer data. The aim of the study is to determine whether localized cryostimulation of myofascial trigger points can modulate neuromuscular responses to fatigue and reduce the magnitude of exercise-induced tremor in adolescent athletes.