title: The use of thermal imaging to assess the effectiveness of ice massage and cold-water immersion as methods for supporting post-exercise recovery.
abstract: Cold water immersion (CWI) and ice massage (IM) are commonly used treatments to prevent the delay onset of muscle soreness (DOMS); however, little is known on their relative benefits and effectiveness to lower tissue temperature. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of IM and CMI on tissue temperature and potential benefit to preventing DOMS. The research encompassed 36 subjects divided into three groups of twelve depending on the form of recovery: ice massage (IM), cold-water immersion (CWI), or passive recovery (PAS). All the participants were asked to jump as high as possible from a full squat for one minute. Thermal imaging was conducted at rest, immediately following the exercise, immediately after the trial, following the recovery treatment, and after 30min of rest. Their pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). After applying the selected method for supporting recovery, the LA level decreased by 4.25mmol/L in the IM group, and by 4.96mmol/L in the CWI group (IM vs. CWI p>0.05). The 2.75mmol/L decrease in lactate concentration in the PAS group was significantly lower than in the other groups (IM vs. PAS p<0.05/ CWI vs. PAS p<0.01). In both groups, Tsk after 30min was significantly lower (ΔTsk~0.5°C) than at rest (p<0.05). In turn, Tsk in the PAS group returned to the resting values (p>0.05). Seventy-two hours after the exercise, a clear decrease in discomfort was observed in the IM and CWI groups compared to the PAS group. The two applied treatments have proven to be effective both in utilizing lactate and preventing DOMS. Depending on training requirements, we recommend the use of IM when athletes experience localized muscle fatigue. One the other hand, CWI is recommended in situations of global or generalized muscle injury or fatigue.
authors: Theory of Sport Department, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Marymoncka 34 St., 00-968 Warsaw, Poland; Rehabilitation Department, Physiotherapy Division, Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61 St., 02-091 Warsaw, Poland. Electronic address: jakub.adamczyk@awf.edu.pl.
authors: Jakub Grzegorz
authors: JG
authors: Adamczyk
authors: Rehabilitation Department, Physiotherapy Division, Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61 St., 02-091 Warsaw, Poland. Electronic address: ilona54@poczta.fm.
authors: Ilona
authors: I
authors: Krasowska
authors: Rehabilitation Department, Physiotherapy Division, Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61 St., 02-091 Warsaw, Poland. Electronic address: dboguszewski@wum.edu.pl.
authors: Dariusz
authors: D
authors: Boguszewski
authors: School of Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bruce Highway North, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia. Electronic address: p.reaburn@cqu.edu.au.
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Reaburn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001831:Body Temperature; D003080:Cold Temperature; D017679:Cryotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D007053:Ice / Q000032:analysis; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage / Q000379:methods*; D063806:Myalgia / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D013817:Thermography / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007053:Ice; D019344:Lactic Acid
keywords: Cold treatment; Infrared thermography; Lactate removal; Recovery