Introduction: High-intensity resistance exercises (RE) cause an inflammatory response that reduces functionality. Objective: To evaluate the effects of Cold Water Immersion (CWI) on leukocytosis, oxidative stress parameters, inflammatory markers and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) resulting from a RE session in untrained volunteers. Methods: Thirteen volunteers (aged 26 ± 5 years) who do not engage in RE were randomized and underwent Control RE and RE with CWI sessions. Exercise sessions (leg extension machine, squats and leg presses) consisted of four sets of 10 maximum repetitions (one-week interval between the assessment and the sessions). CWI consisted of immersion in water (15°C) to the umbilicus for 10 minutes immediately after the exercise session. Complete blood count, CRP, creatine kinase (CK) and lipoperoxidation (LPO) were assessed previously (baseline) and immediately, 30 minutes and 2 hours after RE. DOMS was assessed 24 hours after the sessions. Results: RE induced progressive leukocytosis (P<0.001). CRP was elevated 2 hours after exercise (P=0.008) only in the Control RE session. CK increased 30 minutes and 2 hours after exercise (P<0.001) in the Control session, whereas in the CWI session the increase was observed after 2 hours (P<0.001). LPO increased only in the Control session after 2 hours (P=0.025). CWI reduced DOMS by 57% (P<0.001). Conclusion: CWI slows the inflammatory response and reduces DOMS in untrained individuals undergoing RE. Level of Evidence I; Randomized Clinical Trial.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.