In vivo effects of cold therapy and bandaging on core temperatures of equine superficial and deep digital flexor tendons.

The research article investigates the effectiveness of a compression cooling system versus ice boots in reducing the core temperatures of superficial and deep digital flexor tendons (SDFT, DDFT) in horses. Stand-up bandages were also found to significantly increase these core temperatures but stayed within the normal range.

Study Design and Methods

• The study was conducted on the forelimbs of six sedated horses, in an experimental design, aimed at comparing the effects of two different types of cold therapy – a compression cooling system and ice boots.
• Inside the core of both the SDFT and DDFT of both front legs of each horse, thermocouples were inserted to monitor temperature changes.
• On one front leg of each horse, a compression cooling system was applied, while on the other front leg, an ice boot was applied. These were maintained for 60 minutes, followed by a 60 minute interval where both forms of therapy were removed.
• Afterwards, standing bandages were applied on both front limbs for another 60 minutes and then removed.
• The researchers employed a random coefficient regression model for the cold therapy data and performed a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures to assess and compare the effects of time and the cold therapy method.

Key Results

• The results indicated that the compression cooling system led to a larger decrease in core temperatures of both the SDFT and DDFT when compared to ice boots.
• Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in the core temperatures of the SDFT and DDFT from the baseline during the period when standing bandages were applied (p < .0001).

Conclusions and Recommendations

• The study concluded that the compression cooling system was more effective in cooling the SDFT and DDFT compared to ice boots when applied in normal horses in an experimental setting.
• Although bandaging increased the core temperatures of the flexor tendons, it was observed that the temperatures remained within physiological limits, indicating no adverse effect.
• Based on these results, the use of a compression cooling system is advised over ice boots for quicker and more consistent cooling of tendons in horses.