The effect of cold water immersion on the recovery of physical performance revisited: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract

This review evaluated the effect of CWI on the temporal recovery profile of physical performance, accounting for environmental conditions and prior exercise modality. Sixty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Standardised mean differences were calculated for parameters assessed at < 1, 1 – 6, 24, 48, 72 and ≥ 96 h post-immersion. CWI improved short-term recovery of endurance performance (p = 0.01, 1 h), but impaired sprint (p = 0.03, 1 h) and jump performance (p = 0.04, 6h). CWI improved longer-term recovery of jump performance (p < 0.01–0.02, 24 h and 96 h) and strength (p < 0.01, 24 h), which coincided with decreased creatine kinase (p < 0.01 – 0.04, 24 – 72 h), improved muscle soreness (p < 0.01 – 0.02, 1 – 72 h) and perceived recovery (p < 0.01, 72 h). CWI improved the recovery of endurance performance following exercise in warm (p < 0.01) and but not in temperate conditions (p = 0.06). CWI improved strength recovery following endurance exercise performed at cool-to-temperate conditions (p = 0.04) and enhanced recovery of sprint performance following resistance exercise (p = 0.04). CWI seems to benefit the acute recovery of endurance performance, and longer-term recovery of muscle strength and power, coinciding with changes in muscle damage markers. This, however, depends on the nature of the preceding exercise.

Keywords

Cryotherapy, hyperthermia, muscle damage, post-exercise cooling, regeneration

Document Type

Journal Article

Date of Publication

3-2-2023

Publication Title

Journal of Sports Sciences

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

School

School of Medical and Health Sciences

RAS ID

56565

Comments

Choo, H. C., Lee, M., Yeo, V., Poon, W., & Ihsan, M. (2023). The effect of cold water immersion on the recovery of physical performance revisited: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of Sports Sciences, 40(23), 2608-2638. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2023.2178872

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

10.1080/02640414.2023.2178872