Icing Effects on Neck Functions of the Boxers

Injuries are common in boxing, occurring most often to the head, neck, face, and hands. Traumatic minor cervical strains are common place in high-impact sports and premature degenerative changes have been documented in sports people exposed to recurrent impact trauma or repetitive forces. Whiplash injury may result in extensive trauma to muscles and ligamentous structures within the cervical spine . Many of these structures, particularly the muscles, contain mechanoreceptors that play a key role in position sense. Studies have shown that head and neck position sense may become impaired following whiplash injury. Subsequently, poor movement patterns, together with the perpetuation of pain and other symptoms may develop.

Posture control is achieved by integration of sensory inputs emanating from somatosensory, vestibular, and visual systems. Patients with whiplash injury has been reported, reflected by increased body sway and reduced ability to overcome challenging balance tasks. In this study we have attempted to evaluate the influence of boxing on balance performances, isometric strength and flexibility; furthermore, evaluate the therapeutic effect of ice massage on boxers.

Inclusion criteria

• boxers
• Must be able to cooperate to our intervention

Exclusion criteria

• Any head and neck injury in recent six months
• personal history of head and neck surgery, tumor, infection, and musculoskeletal disease of neck
• Lesions of central or peripheral nervous system, such as visual or vestibular system, any of which may also affect performance of balance