No differences between cold and hot water immersion for neuromuscular recovery, sprint mechanics and delayed onset muscle soreness after a simulated football game

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effects of cold (CWI) versus hot (HWI) water immersion on neuromuscular function, sprinting force production, and perceptual responses during a 72-h recovery period following a simulated football match. Twenty-two active males completed a simulated football game and underwent either CWI or HWI immediately post-exercise, and again at 24 h and 48 h. Isometric maximal voluntary contraction (IMVC) of the quadriceps, as well as central and peripheral components of neuromuscular fatigue (via femoral nerve electrical stimulation), were assessed before the simulated match and at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post-exercise, as well as maximal power output and its force/velocity components during repeated sprints and a questionaire on perceptual responses. On average, peripheral fatigue was observed with a 7.0% decrease in maximal voluntary contraction (P<0.01), with no central fatigue (P=0.88). A loss of sprinting power output of 8.9% at 24h (P<0.001) was measured, and delayed onset muscle soreness increased at 24h and 48h (P<0.001). No significant differences were found between CWI and HWI for any of these variables during recovery. These findings suggest that HWI may represent a practical and effective alternative to CWI to restore neuromuscular function, sprint mechanics and perceptual responses.