Cooling and Performance Recovery of Trained Athletes: A Meta-Analytical Review

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 227-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wigand Poppendieck ◽  
Oliver Faude ◽  
Melissa Wegmann ◽  
Tim Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Cold Water ◽  
Water Immersion ◽  
Cold Water Immersion ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Intensive Training ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Performance Recovery ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Whole Body Cooling

Purpose:Cooling after exercise has been investigated as a method to improve recovery during intensive training or competition periods. As many studies have included untrained subjects, the transfer of those results to trained athletes is questionable.Methods:Therefore, the authors conducted a literature search and located 21 peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials addressing the effects of cooling on performance recovery in trained athletes.Results:For all studies, the effect of cooling on performance was determined and effect sizes (Hedges’ g) were calculated. Regarding performance measurement, the largest average effect size was found for sprint performance (2.6%, g = 0.69), while for endurance parameters (2.6%, g = 0.19), jump (3.0%, g = 0.15), and strength (1.8%, g = 0.10), effect sizes were smaller. The effects were most pronounced when performance was evaluated 96 h after exercise (4.3%, g = 1.03). Regarding the exercise used to induce fatigue, effects after endurance training (2.4%, g = 0.35) were larger than after strength-based exercise (2.4%, g = 0.11). Cold-water immersion (2.9%, g = 0.34) and cryogenic chambers (3.8%, g = 0.25) seem to be more beneficial with respect to performance than cooling packs (−1.4%, g= −0.07). For cold-water application, whole-body immersion (5.1%, g = 0.62) was significantly more effective than immersing only the legs or arms (1.1%, g = 0.10).Conclusions:In summary, the average effects of cooling on recovery of trained athletes were rather small (2.4%, g = 0.28). However, under appropriate conditions (whole-body cooling, recovery from sprint exercise), postexercise cooling seems to have positive effects that are large enough to be relevant for competitive athletes.

scholarly journals Acute Whole-Body Cooling for Exercise-Induced Hyperthermia: A Systematic Review

2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendon P. McDermott ◽  
Douglas J. Casa ◽  
Matthew S. Ganio ◽  
Rebecca M. Lopez ◽  
Susan W. Yeargin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cold Water ◽  
Water Immersion ◽  
Cold Water Immersion ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Induced Hyperthermia ◽  
Body Cooling ◽  
Exercise Induced ◽  
Whole Body Cooling ◽  
Ice Water

Abstract Objective: To assess existing original research addressing the efficiency of whole-body cooling modalities in the treatment of exertional hyperthermia. Data Sources: During April 2007, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, SportDiscus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Reviews databases as well as ProQuest for theses and dissertations to identify research studies evaluating whole-body cooling treatments without limits. Key words were cooling, cryotherapy, water immersion, cold-water immersion, ice-water immersion, icing, fanning, bath, baths, cooling modality, heat illness, heat illnesses, exertional heatstroke, exertional heat stroke, heat exhaustion, hyperthermia, hyperthermic, hyperpyrexia, exercise, exertion, running, football, military, runners, marathoner, physical activity, marathoning, soccer, and tennis. Data Synthesis: Two independent reviewers graded each study on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Seven of 89 research articles met all inclusion criteria and a minimum score of 4 out of 10 on the PEDro scale. Conclusions: After an extensive and critical review of the available research on whole-body cooling for the treatment of exertional hyperthermia, we concluded that ice-water immersion provides the most efficient cooling. Further research comparing whole-body cooling modalities is needed to identify other acceptable means. When ice-water immersion is not possible, continual dousing with water combined with fanning the patient is an alternative method until more advanced cooling means can be used. Until future investigators identify other acceptable whole-body cooling modalities for exercise-induced hyperthermia, ice-water immersion and cold-water immersion are the methods proven to have the fastest cooling rates.

scholarly journals Precooling leg muscle improves intermittent sprint exercise performance in hot, humid conditions

2006 ◽  
Vol 100 (4) ◽  
pp. 1377-1384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul C. Castle ◽  
Adam L. Macdonald ◽  
Andrew Philp ◽  
Anthony Webborn ◽  
Peter W. Watt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cold Water ◽  
Water Immersion ◽  
Cold Water Immersion ◽  
Heat Strain ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Active Recovery ◽  
Body Cooling ◽  
Whole Body Cooling

We used three techniques of precooling to test the hypothesis that heat strain would be alleviated, muscle temperature (Tmu) would be reduced, and as a result there would be delayed decrements in peak power output (PPO) during exercise in hot, humid conditions. Twelve male team-sport players completed four cycling intermittent sprint protocols (CISP). Each CISP consisted of twenty 2-min periods, each including 10 s of passive rest, 5 s of maximal sprint against a resistance of 7.5% body mass, and 105 s of active recovery. The CISP, preceded by 20 min of no cooling (Control), precooling via an ice vest (Vest), cold water immersion (Water), and ice packs covering the upper legs (Packs), was performed in hot, humid conditions (mean ± SE; 33.7 ± 0.3°C, 51.6 ± 2.2% relative humidity) in a randomized order. The rate of heat strain increase during the CISP was faster in Control than Water and Packs ( P < 0.01), but it was similar to Vest. Packs and Water blunted the rise of Tmu until minute 16 and for the duration of the CISP (40 min), respectively ( P < 0.01). Reductions in PPO occurred from minute 32 onward in Control, and an increase in PPO by ∼4% due to Packs was observed (main effect; P < 0.05). The method of precooling determined the extent to which heat strain was reduced during intermittent sprint cycling, with leg precooling offering the greater ergogenic effect on PPO than either upper body or whole body cooling.

scholarly journals Interleukin-6 Responses to Water Immersion Therapy After Acute Exercise Heat Stress: A Pilot Investigation

2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 655-663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine C. Lee ◽  
Greig Watson ◽  
Douglas Casa ◽  
Lawrence E. Armstrong ◽  
William Kraemer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interleukin 6 ◽  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Water Immersion ◽  
Cold Water Immersion ◽  
Water Bath ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Cold Water Bath ◽  
Body Cooling ◽  
Whole Body Cooling

Context Cold-water immersion is the criterion standard for treatment of exertional heat illness. Cryotherapy and water immersion also have been explored as ergogenic or recovery aids. The kinetics of inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), during cold-water immersion have not been characterized. Objective To characterize serum IL-6 responses to water immersion at 2 temperatures and, therefore, to initiate further research into the multidimensional benefits of immersion and the evidence-based selection of specific, optimal immersion conditions by athletic trainers. Design Controlled laboratory study. Setting Human performance laboratory Patients or Other Participants Eight college-aged men (age = 22 ± 3 years, height = 1.76 ± 0.08 m, mass = 77.14 ± 9.77 kg, body fat = 10% ± 3%, and maximal oxygen consumption = 50.48 ± 4.75 mL·kg−1·min−1). Main Outcome Measures Participants were assigned randomly to receive either cold (11.70°C ± 2.02°C, n = 4) or warm (23.50°C ± 1.00°C, n = 4) water-bath conditions after exercise in the heat (temperature = 37°C, relative humidity = 52%) for 90 minutes or until volitional cessation. Results Whole-body cooling rates were greater in the cold water-bath condition for the first 6 minutes of water immersion, but during the 90-minute, postexercise recovery, participants in the warm and cold water-bath conditions experienced similar overall whole-body cooling. Heart rate responses were similar for both groups. Participants in the cold water-bath condition experienced an overall slight increase (30.54% ± 77.37%) in IL-6 concentration, and participants in the warm water-bath condition experienced an overall decrease (−69.76% ± 15.23%). Conclusions We have provided seed evidence that cold-water immersion is related to subtle IL-6 increases from postexercise values and that warmer water-bath temperatures might dampen this increase. Further research will elucidate any anti-inflammatory benefit associated with water-immersion treatment and possible multidimensional uses of cooling therapies.

scholarly journals Cold-Water Immersion and Contrast Water Therapy: No Improvement of Short-Term Recovery After Resistance Training

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 886-892 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christos K. Argus ◽  
James R. Broatch ◽  
Aaron C. Petersen ◽  
Remco Polman ◽  
David J. Bishop ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Water Immersion ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Cold Water Immersion ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Recovery Strategies ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Contrast Water Therapy

Context:An athlete’s ability to recover quickly is important when there is limited time between training and competition. As such, recovery strategies are commonly used to expedite the recovery process.Purpose:To determine the effectiveness of both cold-water immersion (CWI) and contrast water therapy (CWT) compared with control on short-term recovery (<4 h) after a single full-body resistance-training session.Methods:Thirteen men (age 26 ± 5 y, weight 79 ± 7 kg, height 177 ± 5 cm) were assessed for perceptual (fatigue and soreness) and performance measures (maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVC] of the knee extensors, weighted and unweighted countermovement jumps) before and immediately after the training session. Subjects then completed 1 of three 14-min recovery strategies (CWI, CWT, or passive sitting [CON]), with the perceptual and performance measures reassessed immediately, 2 h, and 4 h postrecovery.Results:Peak torque during MVC and jump performance were significantly decreased (P < .05) after the resistance-training session and remained depressed for at least 4 h postrecovery in all conditions. Neither CWI nor CWT had any effect on perceptual or performance measures over the 4-h recovery period.Conclusions:CWI and CWT did not improve short-term (<4-h) recovery after a conventional resistance-training session.

Cold-water acclimation does not modify whole-body fluid regulation during subsequent cold-water immersion

2004 ◽  
Vol 92 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 56-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Stocks ◽  
M. J. Patterson ◽  
D. E. Hyde ◽  
A. B. Jenkins ◽  
K. D. Mittleman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Fluid ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Water Immersion ◽  
Cold Water Immersion ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Fluid Regulation ◽  
Body Fluid Regulation

scholarly journals Cryotherapy Models and Timing-Sequence Recovery of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Middle- and Long-Distance Runners

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 329-335
Author(s):  
Chaoyi Qu ◽  
Zhaozhao Wu ◽  
Minxiao Xu ◽  
Fei Qin ◽  
Yanan Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Damage ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Water Immersion ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Strenuous Exercise ◽  
Distance Runners ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Exercise Induced ◽  
Recovery Methods

Context Among sports-recovery methods, cold-water immersion (CWI), contrast-water therapy (CWT), and whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) have been applied widely to enhance recovery after strenuous exercise. However, the different timing effects in exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) after these recovery protocols remain unknown. Objective To compare the effects of CWI, CWT, and WBC on the timing-sequence recovery of EIMD through different indicator responses. Design Crossover study. Setting Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants Twelve male middle- and long-distance runners from the Beijing Sport University (age = 21.00 ± 0.95 years). Intervention(s) Participants were treated with different recovery methods (control [CON], CWI, CWT, WBC) immediately postexercise and at 24, 48, and 72 hours postexercise. Main Outcome Measure(s) We measured perceived sensation using a visual analog scale (VAS), plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity, plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) activity, and vertical-jump height (VJH) pre-exercise, immediately postexercise, and at 1, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours postexercise. Results For the VAS score and CK activity, WBC exhibited better timing-sequence recovery effects than CON and CWI (P &lt; .05), but the CWT demonstrated better effects than CON (P &lt; .05). The CRP activity was lower after WBC than after the other interventions (P &lt; .05). The VJH was lower after WBC than after CON and CWI (P &lt; .05). Conclusions The WBC positively affected VAS, CK, CRP, and VJH associated with EIMD. The CWT and CWI also showed positive effects. However, for the activity and timing-sequence effect, CWT had weaker effects than WBC.

scholarly journals Cooling Effectiveness of a Modified Cold-Water Immersion Method After Exercise-Induced Hyperthermia

2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (11) ◽  
pp. 946-951 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine E. Luhring ◽  
Cory L. Butts ◽  
Cody R. Smith ◽  
Jeffrey A. Bonacci ◽  
Ramon C. Ylanan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Mean Arterial Pressure ◽  
Arterial Pressure ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Water Immersion ◽  
Heat Stroke ◽  
Cold Water Immersion ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Exertional Heat Stroke

Context: Recommended treatment for exertional heat stroke includes whole-body cold-water immersion (CWI). However, remote locations or monetary or spatial restrictions can challenge the feasibility of CWI. Thus, the development of a modified, portable CWI method would allow for optimal treatment of exertional heat stroke in the presence of these challenges. Objective: To determine the cooling rate of modified CWI (tarp-assisted cooling with oscillation [TACO]) after exertional hyperthermia. Design: Randomized, crossover controlled trial. Setting: Environmental chamber (temperature = 33.4°C ± 0.8°C, relative humidity = 55.7% ± 1.9%). Patients or Other Participants: Sixteen volunteers (9 men, 7 women; age = 26 ± 4.7 years, height = 1.76 ± 0.09 m, mass = 72.5 ± 9.0 kg, body fat = 20.7% ± 7.1%) with no history of compromised thermoregulation. Intervention(s): Participants completed volitional exercise (cycling or treadmill) until they demonstrated a rectal temperature (Tre) ≥39.0°C. After exercise, participants transitioned to a semirecumbent position on a tarp until either Tre reached 38.1°C or 15 minutes had elapsed during the control (no immersion [CON]) or TACO (immersion in 151 L of 2.1°C ± 0.8°C water) treatment. Main Outcome Measure(s): The Tre, heart rate, and blood pressure (reported as mean arterial pressure) were assessed precooling and postcooling. Statistical analyses included repeated-measures analysis of variance with appropriate post hoc t tests and Bonferroni correction. Results: Before cooling, the Tre was not different between conditions (CON: 39.27°C ± 0.26°C, TACO: 39.30°C ± 0.39°C; P = .62; effect size = −0.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.2, 0.1). At postcooling, the Tre was decreased in the TACO (38.10°C ± 0.16°C) compared with the CON condition (38.74°C ± 0.38°C; P &lt; .001; effect size = 2.27; 95% CI = 0.4, 0.9). The rate of cooling was greater during the TACO (0.14 ± 0.06°C/min) than the CON treatment (0.04°C/min ± 0.02°C/min; t15 = −8.84; P &lt; .001; effect size = 2.21; 95% CI = −0.13, −0.08). These differences occurred despite an insignificant increase in fluid consumption during exercise preceding CON (0.26 ± 0.29 L) versus TACO (0.19 ± 0.26 L; t12 = 1.73; P = .11; effect size = 0.48; 95% CI = −0.02, 0.14) treatment. Decreases in heart rate did not differ between the TACO and CON conditions (t15 = −1.81; P = .09; effect size = 0.45; 95% CI = −22, 2). Mean arterial pressure was greater at postcooling with TACO (84.2 ± 6.6 mm Hg) than with CON (67.0 ± 9.0 mm Hg; P &lt; .001; effect size = 2.25; 95% CI = 13, 21). Conclusions: The TACO treatment provided faster cooling than did the CON treatment. When location, monetary, or spatial restrictions are present, TACO represents an effective alternative to traditional CWI in the emergency treatment of patients with exertional hyperthermia.

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