Effects of Cold-Water Immersion Compared with Other Recovery Modalities on Athletic Performance Following Acute Strenuous Exercise in Physically Active Participants: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression

Methodology

Meta-analysis

Population

Physically active participants; studies comparing CWI vs other recovery methods

Intervention

CWI vs active recovery, massage, compression, contrast water therapy

Findings

Cold-water immersion was not consistently superior to other recovery modalities; active recovery and massage showed comparable or superior effects for some outcomes. No single recovery modality was universally best, and recovery strategy should be individualized.

Outcome measures

Athletic performance recovery, perceived recovery, muscle damage markers

Limitations

Heterogeneity; varying protocols; limited head-to-head comparisons.

Original source

DOI: 10.1007/s40279-022-01800-1 · PMID: 36527593