AbstractObjective:To search the English language literature for original research addressing the effect of cryotherapy on motor performance and recovery.Data Sources:We searched MEDLINE, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, SPORT Discus, Pubmed, and the Cochrane Reviews database, from 1976 to 2009 to identify randomized clinical trials of cryotherapy, systematic reviews, original articles and methods of cryotherapy. Key words used were cryotherapy, return to participation, cold treatment, ice, injury.Data Synthesis:Brief review including assessment of cryotherapy as a tool of performance and a recovery method.Conclusions:Most studies suggest that a short rewarming time would be beneficial (a couple minutes), which is very reasonable in sports. Also, cooling techniques differ in its result accordingly to the procedures and objectives used. Finally, the type of tissue cooled plays a large role (ie. Joint vs. Muscle).