A Comparison of Two Formulas of Topical Menthol on Vascular Responses and Perceived Intensity Prior to and following a Bout of Maximum Voluntary Muscular Contractions (MVMCs)

Authors

Robert V. Topp, Marquette UniversityFollow
Alex V. Ng, Marquette UniversityFollow
Alyson Cybulski, Marquette University
Katalin W. Skelton, Marquette University
Paula Papanek, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

6 p.

Publication Date

7-2014

Publisher

Elsevier

Source Publication

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies

Source ISSN

1360-8592

Original Item ID

doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2013.11.003

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the vascular responses in the brachial artery and perceived intensity of two different formulas of topical menthol gels prior to and following a bout of maximum voluntary muscular contractions (MVMCs).

18 adults completed the same protocol on different days using blinded topical menthol gels (Old Formula and New Formula). Heart rate, brachial artery blood flow (ml/min), vessel diameter and reported intensity of sensation were measured at baseline (T1), at 5 min after application of the gel to the upper arm (T2), and immediately following five MVMCs hand grips (T3).

The New Formula exhibited a significant decline in blood flow (−22.6%) between T1 and T2 which was not different than the nonsignificant declines under the Old Formula 1 (−21.8%). Both formulas resulted in a significant increase in perceived intensity of sensation between T1 and T2. Blood flow increased significantly with the New Formula (488%) between T2 and T3 and nonsignificantly with the Old Formula (355%).

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, Vol. 18, No. 3 (July 2014): 424-429. DOI. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Topp, Robert V.; Ng, Alex V.; Cybulski, Alyson; Skelton, Katalin W.; and Papanek, Paula, "A Comparison of Two Formulas of Topical Menthol on Vascular Responses and Perceived Intensity Prior to and following a Bout of Maximum Voluntary Muscular Contractions (MVMCs)" (2014). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 313.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/313