The effect of single bout of 15 minutes of 15-degree celsius cold water immersion on delayed-onset muscle soreness indicators

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a single bout of 15 minutes Cold Water Immersion (CWI) to alleviate DOMS symptoms following the plyometric exercise protocol. Sixteen physically healthy young males with the mean age of 21.6±2.3 years old, weight of 65.7±13.1 kg, height of 170.5±6.9 cm, BMI 22.4±3.3 kg.m-1 and fat percentage 20.5±6.2% were required to complete 10 x 10 counter-movement jumps (CMJ) to induce muscle damage. They were randomly assigned into control group (n = 8) and CWI group (n = 8). The CWI group was given a single bout of 15 minutes lower limb of CWI therapy at 15°C following damage-inducing exercise with room temperature was maintained at 16°C. Indicators of DOMS such as perceived muscle soreness, maximal voluntary contraction, range of motion (ROM), thigh circumference, creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were assessed prior to the commencement of CMJ, immediately after the jumps and at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours post CMJ. The results of mixed-factorial ANOVA revealed a significant (p < 0.05) interaction between groups across the experimental sessions in perceived muscle soreness, ROM and LDH for participants in the CWI group. In conclusion, a single bout of CWI at 15°C for 15 minutes is effective to elicit beneficial effects in some DOMS indicators.