Effects of cold-water immersion in comparison to passive recovery on delayed onset muscle soreness in athletes following sporting performance

Abstract

DOMS is one of the most common injuries amongst athletes regardless of their athletic/professional level. To hasten their recovery, athletes often make use of recovery modalities as time between training sessions and games is limited. One of the most used recovery modalities is CWI. However, the author has heard both arguments for and against being put forward. To settle this debate, the following project was undertaken. A project which was guided by the PICO model with the aim of answering the following research question: “Does cold-water immersion in athletes decrease Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness when compared to passive recovery after sporting performance?” PICO elements: • P - Athletes suffering from DOMS • I – Cold water immersion • C – Passive recovery • O – The effectiveness of cold-water immersion at reducing DOMS after sporting performance (CK, MS/DOMS and CMJ) Two data bases were used to conduct the literature search (PubMed and HyDi) which resulted in 10 eligible studies, appraised with the CASP tool. Inclusion Criteria: written in English during the last ten years and follow a MA, SR or RCT format. Involve an adult, athletic population who underwent sporting performance. Contain a CWI group as well as a PAS group carried out right after performance. Contain at least one of the outcome measures and their readings had to be taken at least up to 24hrs after sporting performance. Results remain inconclusive but minimal evidence points to CWI being superior to PAS at reducing perception of DOMS in team and combat sports up to 24hrs after sporting performance in the included population. It is a safe modality which can be used by Physiotherapists to lessen the impacts of DOMS in athletes but more research is needed to draw definite conclusions.