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Does hydrotherapy help or hinder adaptation to training in competitive cyclists?
Shona L Halson1, Jason Bartram, Nicholas West
11AIS Physiology, Australian Institute of Sport, Belconnen, ACT, AUSTRALIA; 2School of Medicine, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, AUSTRALIA; 3Appleton Institute for Behavioural Science, Central Queensland University, Adelaide, AUSTRALIA; and 4Sport Performance Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, NEW ZEALAND.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|February 8, 2014
Summary
Cold water immersion (CWI) did not impair cycling performance in trained cyclists during intensified training. While some performance metrics showed unclear changes, CWI did not negatively impact adaptation to training.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Recovery Strategies
Background:
- Cold water immersion (CWI) is a popular recovery method after exercise.
- Concerns exist that CWI may attenuate training adaptations, potentially hindering long-term performance.
- The impact of CWI on performance during demanding training cycles requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of CWI versus passive rest on cycling performance during a simulated grand tour.
- To determine if CWI impairs training adaptations in endurance athletes.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-four trained cyclists were randomized into CWI or passive recovery groups.
- Participants underwent 7 days of baseline training, 21 days of intensified training, and an 11-day taper.
- Cold water immersion involved 15-minute sessions at 15°C, four times per week.
Main Results:
- Cold water immersion showed a likely beneficial effect on 1-second sprint power compared to the control group.
- Mean power in the second effort relative to the first was likely higher in the CWI group.
- Changes in overall 4-minute power and 10-minute time trial performance were unclear between groups.
Conclusions:
- Current findings do not support the speculation that CWI is detrimental to performance in competitive cyclists undergoing intensified training.
- Cold water immersion may be a viable recovery strategy without compromising adaptation to strenuous training loads.
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