Faculty Research - Dr. Cindy Trowbridge

Cardiovascular Strain Associated with Exposure to Cold

Dr. Cindy Trowbridge, Assistant Professor and Clinical Education Coordinator in the Athletic Training Education Program in the Department of Kinesiology, is currently working on three separate, unique research projects that will provide beneficial information about recovery after injury and developing superior ways of training CPR rescuers.

The first project, funded by a contract with Game Ready™, is investigating the cardiovascular strain (e.g., blood pressure and blood flow) associated with exposure to cold. Specifically, how cooling the leg with the Game Ready™ System compares with traditional ice bags and other cooling devices. This cooling technology, used by NASA, applies adjustable cold and intermittent compression directly to the injured area without being wet and messy . Cold water is circulated through a pad in a continuous manner at the same time pneumatic intermittent compression is applied.

Dr. Trowbridge, along with Kathryn Womochel (graduate student) and Dr. David Keller, Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology are looking to see if this type of cooling results in different levels of cardiovascular strain when compared with traditional ice bags and compression. Current hospital care post knee replacement is often ice bags applied over the surgical area; however, there is usually a significant amount of gauze to keep the surgical area dry and to prevent a cold pressor response (increase in blood pressure). However, too much gauze may limit the cooling effect of ice bags; therefore, it may be advantageous to apply cold via the Game Ready™ System. The surgical site will stay dry and the injured area may cool without a significant blood pressure response. Dr. Trowbridge is very anxious about the potential projects that will come out of the research done with the Game Ready™.

Effectiveness of Rescuers' Efforts when Performing CPR

The second area of research Dr. Trowbridge is conducting is with Dr. Mark Ricard, professor in the Department of Kinesiology, and Dr. Carolyn Cason, the Associate Dean of Research in the School of Nursing and Director of the Center for Nursing Research. This project has been funded by three grants from Laerdal™ and has had three phases.

The first phase looked at the quality of the CPR compressions and the neuromuscular fatigue associated with 10 minutes of CPR in young (18‐30) and old (40‐60 years) females. Comparisons were made between age of the subjects and between types of CPR (compressions and breathing vs. compression only). The paper is currently under review. The second phase is examined the same circumstances, but provided females with audio and/or visual feedback about the effectiveness of the rescuers’ efforts when performing CPR. These data will provide insight into more effective ways to instruct CPR rescuers so they maintain an effective compression depth. Dr. Trowbridge is eager to analyze the data from this study. The third phase of study with the Laerdal™ has just begun; this phase examines performing CPR on a manikin in a hospital bed.

The rescuer is tested in standing, kneeling, and straddling positions to assess the effect resucuer position has on CPR quality and rescuer fatigue. They are also testing a specially designed mattress that becomes firmer and provides more support to the manikin. The study will investigate if this mattress provides a better surface for CPR. The increase in mattress support may aid the rescuer and improve the quality of CPR. In addition to these projects, Dr. Trowbridge is developing research with the use of the InterX® device, manufactured by the Neuro Resource Group. The InterX® is an electrotherapy device that can both assess and treat an injured musculoskeletal area. A device that allows continuous adjustments relative to patient needs is essential in providing quality care.

Dr. Trowbridge has completed a pilot study to compare the InterX® versus Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation to treat elbow pain. She is currently collaborating with Paul Magee PT, Vice President of Clinical Training, to write an informative paper about the application of the InterX®. Dr. Trowbridge’s research specializes in therapeutic modalities, neuromuscular control, and injury rehabilitation. It is important for allied health care providers to treat their patients with the most efficient and effective therapeutic exercises and modalities. She is passionate about finding evidence that certain exercise programs prevent and treat injuries and that certain modalities, when used correctly, will aid in faster rehabilitation.