Effect of cold water and contrast immersion on physiological and psychological responses of elite athletes after high-intensity exercises

Abstract

Background. Circuit training (CT) increases the interrelation of bio-motor components but neuromuscular performance contrarily produces a high concentration of lactate, cortisol, muscle inflammation, which disrupts metabolism, thus reducing performance and generating psychological stress. While Contrast Water Therapy (CWT) increases nerve sensitivity and reduces the risk of metabolic disorders, Cold Water Immersion (CWI) reduces local tissue temperature, muscle pain and avoids musculoskeletal injuries. The purpose of the research is to examine the effect of Contrast Water Therapy and Cold-Water Immersion on lactate, cortisol, flexibility, muscle pain, depression, anxiety, and stress levels post sub-maximal intensity of circuit training. Material and methods. Thirty elite athletes were engaged in a cross-sectional study with pre-and post-test after a 3 series x 3 sets x12 repetitions in a workout session of 85%-90%RM. The prerequisite test employed Shapiro-Wilk, while Bivariate analysis utilized Independent Sample T-test and Paired Sample T-test. Results. CWT maintained body temperature significantly (t=36±0.27, p=0.019). CWI reduced lactate levels (t=2.32±0.27, p=0.001), cortisol (t=12.72±2.27, p=0.001), muscle pain (t=5.32±1.07, p=0.003), depression (t=8.16±1.63, p=0.012), anxiety (t=6.56±1.34, p=0.002), and stress (t=13.02±1.27, p=0.001). Meanwhile, SS increased flexibility (t=17.98±2.76, p=0.001). There was no significant difference in the regeneration process at 1st, 5th, 10th, and 15th minutes post-manipulation of all three methods. Conclusion. CWI 5°C for 15 minutes accelerates the lactate and cortisol regeneration as well as reducing muscle inflammation, depression, anxiety, and stress, while CWT raises the body's temperature and SS increases flexibility.