Effects of Immediate and Delayed Repeated Cold Exposure After Physical Exertion

Physical activity is influenced by factors such as the type, duration, and intensity. Depending on the extent of these factors and the associated recovery time, muscle damage, inflammation, and fatigue symptoms in the nervous system can occur. Additionally, energy substrate depletion and localized swelling may take place. Therefore, rapid recovery after intense exercise has become increasingly important. According to the meta-analysis by Bleakley et al. (2012), cold therapy is considered one of the most effective recovery methods after physical activity to delay Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).

DOMS consists of microscopic tears in muscle tissue, referred to as exercise-induced muscle damage, which can lead to delayed muscle soreness. DOMS typically peaks between 24 and 48 hours-sometimes up to 72 hours-after exercise and is characterized by muscle shortening, increased passive stiffness, swelling, reduced strength and performance, localized muscle soreness, and altered proprioception.

The physiological basis of cryotherapy lies in the removal of body heat through a reduction in tissue temperature. This results in decreased muscle pain perception, making the body feel more "awake" after training and reducing the sensation of fatigue. Additionally, cold exposure lowers heart rate and cardiac output while inducing vasoconstriction. The outcomes include smaller blood vessel diameters, reduced occurrence of edema, and improved oxygen supply to the cells. To maintain core body temperature, the central metabolism also increases, promoting the transport of metabolic waste products.

All these effects, in combination, may help reduce exercise-induced inflammation by minimizing the death or damage of hypoxic cells and reducing secondary tissue damage through decreased infiltration of leukocytes and monocytes (Bleakley et al. 2012, Hohenauer et al. 2015, Hubbard et al. 2004, Ostrowski et al. 2018).

Inclusion criteria

• Young, healthy adults aged between 18 and 30 years
• No surgical interventions on the musculoskeletal system in the trunk area or lower extremities

Exclusion criteria

• Current pain conditions
• Current inflammatory conditions
• Medication use (excluding contraceptives)
• Pregnant participants
• Competitive athletes
• Children/teenagers
• Non-intact skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis)
• Known circulatory disorders
• Cold allergy (Raynaud's disease)