New research calls into question merits of ice baths for athlete recovery

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-10/tps-nrc100316.php

Public Release: 4-Oct-2016
New research calls into question merits of ice baths for athlete recovery
Ice baths do not significantly reduce post-exercise inflammation in muscles
The Physiological Society

Sports stars from Andy Murray to Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis-Hill rely on ice baths after competing - however new research suggests they should re-think their recovery plan. Researchers looking at post-exercise inflammation in skeletal muscle have found new evidence that challenges the merits of ice baths.

Contrary to popular belief, the researchers found that cold water immersion does not significantly reduce inflammation in muscles after resistance exercise. This is according to a study by Dr. Jonathan Peake and colleagues published in The Journal of Physiology.

Cold water immersion reduces muscle temperature and blood flow, and this was thought to enhance repair of muscles damaged by exercise, by reducing inflammation. However, there had not been any data--at least in humans-- to back this up, and Dr Peake's new research has called this benefit into question.

Commenting on this new research, Dr Jonathan Peake said: "As cold water immersion may not be the most effective strategy, athletes across various sports will need to re-think their strategies to minimize inflammation in the muscle."

•••••