Dr. Robert Topp

The Academy Blog has shared several articles about research on the mechanisms of Biofreeze from Dr. Robert Topp. Recently, he published an article in the Journal of Sports Rehabilitation comparing ice and Biofreeze® gel on blood flow and muscle strength. 17 healthy adults were assessed for blood flow in their radial artery and wrist extension strength after 3 different conditions: ice applied to the forearm, Biofreeze gel applied to the forearm, or a control condition.

The Biofreeze gel significantly reduced blood flow by 42% at 5 minutes after application, which returned to normal at 10 to 15 minutes after application. In contrast, the ice didn’t significantly decrease blood flow until 20 minutes of application at a 48% reduction.

Interestingly, ice caused a slowing of muscle recovery in wrist extension strength after application. This was in contrast to Biofreeze application, which actually increased wrist extension strength by 8%.

Dr. Topp and his colleagues suggest that the menthol in Biofreeze “may affect blood flow through neural mechanisms that respond faster…but are also quickly sensitized.”

In summary, Biofreeze topical analgesic creates a reduction in blood flow at a magnitude similar to ice (about 45%), but does so within the first 5 minutes. Ice takes 20 minutes to decrease blood flow. Biofreeze also resulted in a significant 8% increase in strength compared to a decrease in strength with ice. These findings may have important implications for Biofreeze application after injury.

REFERENCE: Topp R, Winchester L, Mink AM, Kaufman JS, Jacks DE. Comparison of the effects of ice and 3.5% menthol gel on blood flow and muscle strength of the lower arm. J Sport Rehabil. 2011 Aug;20(3):355-66.

Disclaimer: This project was supported by Performance Health

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