The Effect of Post-Exercise Cryotherapy on Recovery Characteristics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Hohenauer, Erich; Taeymans, Jan; Baeyens, Jean Pierre; Clarys, Peter; Clijsen, Ron

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0139028

Cited by 143 publications

(147 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…Different post-cooling interventions were described in literature, 66 from which cold water immersion (5–15°C) is most frequently used. Furthermore, cold air exposure (−30°C) and local cooling using cooling packs were reported 67,68 .…”

Section: Post-coolingmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Cooling interventions for athletes: An overview of effectiveness, physiological mechanisms, and practical considerations

Bongers¹,

Hopman²,

2017

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Exercise-induced increases in core body temperature could negative impact performance and may lead to development of heat-related illnesses. The use of cooling techniques prior (pre-cooling), during (per-cooling) or directly after (post-cooling) exercise may limit the increase in core body temperature and therefore improve exercise performance. The aim of the present review is to provide a comprehensive overview of current scientific knowledge in the field of pre-cooling, per-cooling and post-cooling. Based on existing studies, we will discuss 1) the effectiveness of cooling interventions, 2) the underlying physiological mechanisms and 3) practical considerations regarding the use of different cooling techniques. Furthermore, we tried to identify the optimal cooling technique and compared whether cooling-induced performance benefits are different between cool, moderate and hot ambient conditions. This article provides researchers, physicians, athletes and coaches with important information regarding the implementation of cooling techniques to maintain exercise performance and to successfully compete in thermally stressful conditions.

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Section: Post-coolingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In a recent meta-analysis, the effects of post-cooling were subdivided in subjective and objective outcomes for recovery 66 . It was found that post-cooling applied directly after exercise improves subjective recovery, since it lowers the symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness after 24 and 96 hours of recovery 66 .…”

Section: Post-coolingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cooling interventions for athletes: An overview of effectiveness, physiological mechanisms, and practical considerations

Bongers¹,

Hopman²,

2017

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“…The use of cryotherapy as a postexercise recovery modality has been increasing in popularity 1,2. The effects of cryotherapy are believed to be a result of peripheral vasoconstriction, which leads to the reduction of the inflammatory process due to decreased cell metabolism 3,4.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of local cryotherapy on subjective and objective recovery characteristics following an exhaustive jump protocol

Hohenauer

Clarys

Baeyens

et al. 2016

OAJSM

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The purpose of this controlled trial was to investigate the effects of a single local cryotherapy session on the recovery characteristics over a period of 72 hours. Twenty-two young and healthy female (n=17; mean age: 21.9±1.1 years) and male (n=5;mean age: 25.4±2.8 years) adults participated in this study. Following an exhaustive jump protocol (3×30 countermovement jumps), half of the participants received either a single local cryotherapy application (+8°C) or a single local thermoneutral application (+32°C) of 20-minute duration using two thigh cuffs. Subjective measures of recovery (delayed-onset muscle soreness and ratings of perceived exertion) and objective measures of recovery (vertical jump performance and peak power output) were assessed immediately following the postexercise applications (0 hours) and at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the jump protocol. Local cryotherapy failed to significantly affect any subjective recovery variable during the 72-hour recovery period (P>0.05). After 72 hours, the ratings of perceived exertion were significantly lower in the thermoneutral group compared to that in the cryotherapy group (P=0.002). No significant differences were observed between the cryotherapy and the thermoneutral groups with respect to any of the objective recovery variables. In this experimental study, a 20-minute cryotherapy cuff application failed to demonstrate a positive effect on any objective measures of recovery. The effects of local thermoneutral application on subjective recovery characteristics were superior when compared to the effects of local cryotherapy application at 72 hours postapplication.

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“…3,19,20 The physiological response resulting from PBMT on muscle recovery is quite different than cryotherapy. PBMT affects the tissue at the cellular level by inducing a photochemical reaction within the cell.…”

Section: Best Evidencementioning

confidence: 99%

“…For decades, cryotherapy has been a popular modality for postexercise muscle recovery utilized by many athletes, coaches, and sports medicine practitioners, despite recent challenges to its effectiveness. 3 For these reasons, PBMT should be explored as a substitute to cryotherapy for postexercise muscle recovery. …”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation Therapy Versus Cryotherapy for Skeletal Muscle Recovery: A Critically Appraised Topic

Fisher¹,

Rigby²,

Mettler³

et al. 2019

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation

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Clinical Scenario: Cryotherapy is one of the most commonly used modalities for postexercise muscle recovery despite inconsistencies in the literature validating its effectiveness. With the need to find a more effective modality, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has gained popularity because of recent research demonstrating its ability to accelerate the muscle recovery process. Focused Clinical Question: Is PBMT more effective than cryotherapy at reducing recovery time and decreasing delayed onset muscle soreness after strenuous exercise? Summary of Key Findings: Three moderate-to highquality double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trials and 2 low-to moderate-quality translational studies performed on rats were included in this critically appraised topic. All 5 studies supported the use of PBMT over cryotherapy as a treatment for postexercise muscle recovery following exercise. PBMT was superior in reducing creatine kinase, inflammation markers, and blood lactate compared with cryotherapy, following strenuous/high intensity aerobic or strength muscular exercise. PBMT was also shown to improve postexercise muscle performance and function more than cryotherapy. Clinical Bottom Line: There is moderate evidence to suggest the use of PBMT over cryotherapy postexercise to enhance muscle recovery in trained and untrained athletes. Shorter recovery times and increased muscle performance can be seen 24 to 96 hours following PBMT application. Strength of Recommendation: Based on consistent findings from all 5 studies, there is grade B evidence to support the use of PBMT over cryotherapy for more effective postexercise recovery of skeletal muscle performance.Keywords: laser therapy, light therapy, cold therapy, cold-water immersion therapy, post-exercise Clinical ScenarioPhotobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a promising modality that has gained popularity in different areas of medical practice. Previously referred to as low-level laser therapy or light-emitting diode therapy, PBMT has effectively improved muscle performance by increasing exercise times and reducing muscle fatigue limiting postexercise strength losses. 1 After intense exercise, PBMT confines the degree of exercise-induced muscle damage, limiting the need for a large inflammatory process. 2 It also reduces patient-reported muscle soreness, modulates growth factors and myogenic regulatory factors, and increases the formation of new red blood cells locally. 2 These effects make PBMT a valuable treatment option for muscle recovery; however, PBMT has not become a mainstream tool for muscle recovery in clinical practice. For decades, cryotherapy has been a popular modality for postexercise muscle recovery utilized by many athletes, coaches, and sports medicine practitioners, despite recent challenges to its effectiveness. 3 For these reasons, PBMT should be explored as a substitute to cryotherapy for postexercise muscle recovery. Focused Clinical QuestionIs PBMT more effective than cryotherapy at reducing muscle recovery time and decreasing delayed onset m...

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The Effect of Post-Exercise Cryotherapy on Recovery Characteristics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cited by 143 publications

References 55 publications

Cooling interventions for athletes: An overview of effectiveness, physiological mechanisms, and practical considerations

Cooling interventions for athletes: An overview of effectiveness, physiological mechanisms, and practical considerations

The effect of local cryotherapy on subjective and objective recovery characteristics following an exhaustive jump protocol

The Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation Therapy Versus Cryotherapy for Skeletal Muscle Recovery: A Critically Appraised Topic

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