28th Annual Student Research Conference
Effects of Cold Water Immersion on Physiological Parameters of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage
Maria C. Backes* and Kelci B. Besand
Dr. Brian Snyder, Faculty Mentor
Current research provides insufficient evidence on the efficacy of cold water immersion (CWI) in reducing effects of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), while CWI remains a common recovery practice among athletes. PURPOSE: This study tested the hypothesis that CWI administered after eccentric exercise does not have an effect on the physiological parameters of EIMD. METHODS: College-age athletes (n=8) underwent 3 sets of 30 eccentric calf raises. Then, each participants right leg received one of three 10 minute treatments to which they were randomly assigned (Treatment A: CWI at 0-1C, treatment B: CWI at 14-15C, and treatment C: no immersion) Parameters including strength, power, and soreness were measured at baseline and 24hr post-treatment. Each participant returned twice more for testing, with 1wk between testing. RESULTS: The mean difference in pain between baseline and 24hr post-treatment include: Treatment A: -0.109; Treatment B: -0.031; Treatment C: -0.511. CONCLUSION: Results pending.
Keywords: cold water immersion, CWI, Exercise-induced muscle damage, EIMD, pain algometer , eccentric exercise , gastrocnemius-soleus complex
Topic(s):Athletic Training
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 111-1
Location: MG 2090
Time: 9:00