Neuromuscular Consequences of Knee Arthroscopy

Novel rehabilitation methods, that specifically target decreased muscle activation due to joint pathology prior to strength training, have elicited greater improvements in muscle function and self-reported disability compared to traditional therapies. Preliminary evidence suggests applying cryotherapy to a joint prior to exercise can increase quadriceps activation. It is unknown if applying cryotherapy and intermittent pneumatic compression can also increase quadriceps force output and voluntary activation. The purpose of this study is to determine changes in quadriceps force output and voluntary activation following the application of cryotherapy and compression. The investigators hypothesize there will be an increase in quadriceps force output and voluntary activation following the application of cryotherapy and compression.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 15-65 years
• BMI < 30
• Candidate for arthroscopic knee surgery to address meniscus pathology or arthroscopic knee surgery within the past 2 years.

Exclusion criteria

• Participants who are outside of age range
• Ligamentous insufficiency or repair
• Participants with traumatic spine or lower extremity injury within past 6 months
• Participants who have had previous adverse reactions to electrical stimulation or cryotherapy (i.e. burns, hypersensitivity)
• Medical conditions which would be contraindications to electrical stimulation or transcranial magnetic stimulation, including cardiac pacemaker, metal implants in the head, current pregnancy, neurological disorders, and history of seizures
• Participants who are unable to give consent or are unable to understand procedures of experiment.