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Postexercise cold-water immersion improves intermittent high-intensity exercise performance in normothermia
Avina McCarthy1,1, James Mulligan1,1, Mikel Egaña1,1
1Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Ireland.
Summary
Cold water immersion after high-intensity exercise improves subsequent performance in cool conditions. This recovery method, lasting 5-10 minutes, enhances intermittent exercise capacity by reducing core temperature and perceived exertion.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Environmental Physiology
Background:
- Cold water immersion (CWI) aids recovery after exercise in heat.
- Its efficacy in normothermic conditions for intermittent high-intensity exercise is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of 5- and 10-minute CWI at 8°C on subsequent intermittent high-intensity exercise performance in normothermia (19°C).
Main Methods:
- Fifteen active men performed two exhaustive cycling protocols (Ex1 and Ex2) separated by passive rest, 5-min CWI, or 10-min CWI.
- Ex2 involved intermittent exercise (30s high-intensity, 30s low-intensity) to exhaustion.
- Physiological markers including core temperature, heart rate, and oxygen uptake were monitored.
Main Results:
- Time to exhaustion during Ex2 was significantly longer after 5- and 10-min CWI compared to passive rest.
- Core temperature, heart rate, and perceived exertion were lower during Ex2 following CWI.
- Oxygen uptake kinetics during the initial high-intensity bout of Ex2 did not differ between conditions.
Conclusions:
- Post-exercise CWI (5-10 min at 8°C) enhances subsequent intermittent high-intensity exercise performance in normothermic conditions.
- Performance improvements are linked to reduced core temperature, circulatory strain, and perceived exertion.
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