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Published on: June 8, 2017
Cold Compression and Ischemic Preconditioning With Ice Therapy Enhance Muscle Recovery and Functionality
Robert Trybulski1,2, Adrian Kużdżał3, Andryi Vovkanych2
1Medical Department Wojciech Korfanty, Upper Silesian Academy in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.
Objective:
To compare the immediate recovery effects of cold compression (CC) and ischemic preconditioning with ice (IPCice) on muscle recovery, this study was conducted.
Methods:
Athletes were randomly assigned to CC (n=12), IPCice (n=12), or control (n=12) groups. All participants completed a fatigue-inducing jump rope protocol targeting the gastrocnemius prior to recovery interventions. CC involved 20 minutes of alternating pressure (25-75 mmHg) on the gastrocnemius muscles. IPCice involved thigh cuffs inflated to 200 mmHg (2 minutes on/off cycles for 20 minutes) with manual ice application. Thirty-six amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. Muscle pain, congestion, strength, creatine kinase, muscle stiffness, perfusion, pressure pain threshold, reactive strength index, and total quality recovery were assessed at rest, post-exercise, post-treatment, and 48 hours later.
Results:
Post-treatment, CC significantly improved perfusion (p<0.001) and reduced muscle soreness in both legs compared to IPCice and control (p≤0.02). CC also resulted in significantly higher PPT values (p≤0.006). Benefits on some variables remained at 48 hours.
Conclusion:
Both modalities enhanced recovery following fatiguing exercise; however, CC demonstrated superior effectiveness in attenuating fatigue-related impairments, particularly in perfusion, soreness, and muscle function, highlighting its practical advantage over IPCice for MMA athletes.
