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5000 Meter Run Performance is not Enhanced 24 Hrs After an Intense Exercise Bout and Cold Water Immersion
Mary C Stenson1, Matthew R Stenson1, Tracey D Matthews2
1College of St. Benedict/ St. John's University, Collegeville, MN, USA.
Journal of Sports Science & Medicine
|June 21, 2017
Summary
Cold water immersion (CWI) did not improve 5000m run performance or reduce muscle soreness in endurance athletes 24 hours after interval training. This cold water recovery method may not offer performance benefits for conditioned athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Recovery Strategies
Background:
- Cold water immersion (CWI) is a popular recovery method for endurance athletes.
- Evidence for CWI's impact on subsequent endurance performance is limited.
- Understanding CWI's effects on recovery markers is crucial for athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of CWI on 5000m run performance 24 hours post-interval training.
- To assess CWI's impact on perceived muscle soreness (PMS), range of motion (ROM), thigh circumference (TC), and perceived exertion (RPE).
Main Methods:
- Nine endurance-trained males completed two trials: a control and a CWI trial.
- Interval training involved 8 x 1200m at 75% VO2peak.
- CWI treatment consisted of 12 minutes immersion at 12°C.
- 5000m run performance and recovery markers were measured 24 hours post-interval training.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in 5000m run time between CWI and control trials (p=0.48).
- Perceived muscle soreness increased significantly post-exercise and remained elevated at 24 hours, with no difference between treatments.
- No significant differences were observed for thigh circumference or range of motion between treatments.
Conclusions:
- Cold water immersion immediately following interval training did not enhance subsequent 5000m run performance.
- CWI did not significantly reduce perceived muscle soreness compared to a control condition.
- CWI may not provide a recovery or performance advantage for endurance athletes accustomed to intense training.
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