Fit Bot 2017 - Get Motivated - Gym Motivation... by petercool217
A new study adds further evidence in support of the use of cold water immersion (CWI) therapy for musculoskeletal complaints. A research team from Brazil specifically looked at the ability for CWI to aid in the post-exercise recovery. The use of CWI as a recovery method is widely regarded as beneficial, especially by naturopathic physicians, however evidence on its use for this purpose is small. This study investigates the effects of CWI on muscle damage, perceived soreness and muscle power recovery in both upper and lower limbs. Jiu-jitsu training athletes were used in this study.
Within this study, physiological markers speak highly of the effects of CWI on muscle recovery, as well as perceived and objective performance measurements. Creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were all measured along with perceived muscle soreness, and objective recovery scales. Measurements were taken pre-training, post-recovery, 24 hours and 48 hours.
Circulating LDH levels 24 hours post recovery were lower than the control group (441.9±81.4 IU/L), and estimated muscle power was higher in the CWI group as well, in both upper limbs (757.9 ± 125.1W versus 695.9 ± 56.1 W) and lower limbs (53.7 ± 3.7 cm versus 35.5 ± 8.2 cm; both P values = .001). Perceived muscle soreness was also lower in the CWI group (1.5 ± 1.1 arbitrary units [au] versus 3.1 ± 1.0 au; P = .004) as well as a higher sense perceived recovery (8.8 ± 1.9 au versus 6.9 ± 1.7 au; P = .005).
Though the study is underpowered, it still adds to the corpus of medical literature advocating hydrotherapy as an important element of clinical practice – that cold water can be used in a very powerful way to elicit physiologic responses. Studies such as this are important in supporting traditional naturopathic treatment protocols through an evidence-based lens.
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