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The effect of post-exercise hydrotherapy on subsequent exercise performance and heart rate variability
Jamie Stanley1, Martin Buchheit, Jonathan M Peake
1Centre of Excellence for Applied Sport Science Research, Queensland Academy of Sport, Brisbane, Australia. j.stanley@uq.edu.au
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|June 29, 2011
Summary
Cold water immersion and contrast water immersion improved recovery perceptions and reduced fatigue and soreness after intense cycling training. However, neither hydrotherapy method significantly impacted time-trial performance compared to passive rest.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Recovery Strategies
Background:
- Intense training necessitates effective recovery strategies for athletes.
- Hydrotherapy, including cold water immersion (CWI) and contrast water immersion (CWT), is commonly used for post-exercise recovery.
- The impact of hydrotherapy on both physiological recovery markers and subsequent performance requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of CWI and CWT on time-trial performance and cardiac parasympathetic reactivation after high-intensity cycling.
- To compare the efficacy of CWI and CWT against passive rest (PAS) in enhancing recovery.
Main Methods:
- 18 well-trained cyclists underwent three conditions: PAS, CWI, and CWT, following 60 minutes of high-intensity cycling.
- Recovery interventions lasted 10 minutes, with subsequent 160 minutes of quiet rest.
- Cardiac parasympathetic activity (ln rMSSD) and perceptions of recovery were measured.
- Time-trial performance was assessed post-recovery.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in time-trial performance were observed between PAS, CWI, and CWT.
- Both CWI and CWT significantly reduced general fatigue and leg soreness compared to PAS.
- Cardiac parasympathetic activity (ln rMSSD) was significantly higher following CWI and CWT compared to PAS.
Conclusions:
- While CWI and CWT did not enhance cycling performance, they effectively improved subjective recovery and physiological markers of parasympathetic reactivation.
- Hydrotherapy interventions, particularly CWI and CWT, are beneficial for reducing fatigue and muscle soreness post-intense exercise.
- These findings support the use of CWI and CWT as recovery strategies to improve athlete well-being and readiness for subsequent training sessions.
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