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Some studies suggest cold water immersion improves recovery and performance in athletes, while other studies indicate it may impair functional strength at higher movement velocities and does not affect subsequent physical performance in some sports.
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Cold water immersion (CWI) is a widely used recovery strategy in sports and exercise science. It involves immersing the body in cold water to aid in recovery post-exercise by reducing muscle soreness, inflammation, and improving overall performance. This synthesis examines the effects of CWI on various performance and physiological parameters based on recent research findings.
Performance Recovery and Perception:
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Cardiac Autonomic Modulation:
Muscle Strength and Function:
Thermal and Metabolic Responses:
Biological and Clinical Variables:
Diagnostic Use in Vascular Disorders:
Cold water immersion is a beneficial recovery strategy for athletes, particularly for improving specific performance metrics and enhancing the perception of recovery. It also aids in restoring cardiac autonomic modulation and reducing muscle damage markers. However, the effectiveness of CWI can vary based on the duration, temperature, and depth of immersion. While it can impair high-velocity strength performance, it does not significantly affect isometric or low-velocity movements. Additionally, CWI is used diagnostically for vascular disorders like HAVS, with test conditions significantly influencing results. Overall, CWI is a practical tool for recovery, especially during periods requiring rapid recovery.
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