The Physiological Profile Following Two Popular Cold Interventions After Activity in Hot and Humid Environment

This research aims to describe and compare the effects of partial-body cryotherapy (PBC) and cold-water immersion (CWI) on the physiological responses of soccer players after cycling in a hot and humid environment. Sixteen elite soccer players participated in three experiments, and received CWI (13°C for 15 min), PBC (110°C-140°C for 3 min), and CON (room temperature: 21°C ± 2°C), respectively, after aerobic and anaerobic cycling in a hot and humid environment (temperature: 35°C-38°C; humidity: 60%-70%). Heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BLa-), perfusion index (PI), oxygen saturation (SaO₂), core temperature (Tc), skin temperature (Ts), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed at baseline and through 20 min (5-min intervals). HR was lower in CWI than CON after 20 min (p < .05). SaO₂ was higher in CWI than PBC and CON between 10 and 20 min (p < .05). Tc was lower from CWI and PBC than CON between 10 and 20 min (p < .05). Ts was lower in PBC than CWI between 15 and 20 min (p < .05). RPE was lower in PBC than CON 20 min after the exercise (p < .05). No main group differences for BLa- and PI were observed. The physiological effects of PBC are generally similar to CWI. Compared with CON, both CWI and PBC could promote the recovery of physiological indexes within 20 min of exercise in a hot and humid environment. However, PBC can lead to a decrease in SaO₂ due to excessive nitrogen inhalation.