Abstract
Context: Cryotherapy has been reported_to facilitate motoneuron pool excitability in inhibited and healthy subjects. Cryotherapy induced motoneuron pool facilitation has been theorized to be due to stimulation of thermoreceptors surrounding a joint. It is unknown whether menthol counterirritants, which also stimulate thermoreceptors, have the same effect on motoneuron pool excitability. Objective: To compare quadriceps motoneuron pool excitability following a menthol counterirritant application to the anterior knee, a sham counterirritant application, and a control treatment in healthy subjects.