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COMPARISON OF COLD-WATER IMMERSION AND COMPRESSION ON POST-EXERCISE MUSCLE RECOVERY

Abstract

Several recent studies have produced contrasting results on the effectiveness of cold-water immersion or compression intervention on improving recovery from exercise. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of cold-water immersion (CWI) and compression garments (CG) on recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). METHODS: Twenty eight healthy, untrained young adult males were randomly assigned into 3 groups: a non-intervention control group (CON), a group wearing CG for 48 consecutive hours post-exercise, and a group receiving a 15 min 12°C CWI immediately following exercise and 24 hr post-exercise. Baseline tests of isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the knee flexors and extensors, thigh circumference, and perception of muscle soreness on a 0-10 scale were made. Subjects performed a DOMS-inducing protocol consisting of 5X10 eccentric leg presses at 100% 1-RM. Post-intervention measurements were taken 24 hr and 48 hr after the DOMS protocol. RESULTS: Pain significantly increased for CWI, CG, and CON from an average rating of 1.20 at baseline to 4.75 at 24 hr and 4.55 at 48 hr (p<.001). Thigh circumference at ½- and ¾-thigh length was similar under all three conditions during recovery. Likewise, knee flexion and extension strength were not different among the three conditions and did not significantly change over time. CONCLUSION: In this instance of eccentric exercise-induced DOMS, which was not accompanied by decreased muscle strength or increased muscle swelling, treatment with CWI or CG did not alter the magnitude or time course of DOMS.

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