The influence of skinfold thickness on hydrotherapy, and its subsequent effect on muscle function
Item
- Title
- The influence of skinfold thickness on hydrotherapy, and its subsequent effect on muscle function
- Author(s)
- Simmons Liz
- Abstract
-
THE INFLUENCE OF SKINFOLD THICKNESS ON HYDROTHERAPY,AND ITS SUBSEQUENT EFFECT ON MUSCLE FUNCTION
ABSTRACT
Background. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the thickness of subcutaneous fat over the biceps muscle had any influence on the effect of alternate hot and cold hydrotherapy on biceps muscle function. It was proposed that with increasing skinfold thickness, the hydrotherapy would have less effect on muscle function.
Methodology. Thirty subjects (15 male and 15 female) were asked to attend two sessions in the exercise physiology laboratory, one week apart. On the first visit, the subject's skinfold thickness over biceps was measured using Harpenden Skinfold Callipers. On both occasions, the subject's elbow flexion and extension were tested before and after using the CYBEX NORM isokinetic dynamometer at 60 degrees per second. This was to measure the Peak Torque (Nm) of their biceps muscle. On one visit the subject had alternate hot and cold hydrotherapy intervention. On the other visit the subject had no intervention, but a similar 13-minute time interval before being re-tested. The order of the sessions was randomly assigned.
Results. After the control sessions, there was found to be no significant difference in Peak Torque. After the hydrotherapy intervention, there was found to be a significant increase in Peak Torque. The mean increase was 16%. When skinfold thickness was compared with the percentage increase in Peak Torque, no significant correlation was found. The correlation coefficient, r = -0.158 and p = 0.403.
Conclusion. These findings suggest that the thickness of subcutaneous fat has no influence on hydrotherapy, and its subsequent effect of increasing muscle peak torque. For osteopaths and naturopaths, this means that hydrotherapy application times do not have to be adjusted for varying skinfold thicknesses. - presented at
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Date Accepted
- 0
- Date Submitted
- 1.1.1970 00:00:00
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 13604
- Inst-Identifier
- 1076
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Simmons Liz, “The influence of skinfold thickness on hydrotherapy, and its subsequent effect on muscle function”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.osteopathicresearch.org/s/orw/item/1153