Do cold-water plunges really speed post-workout muscle recovery?
- A randomized clinical trial published on May 7, 2025, by scientists from a Swiss applied sciences institution examined the effects of cold and hot water immersion on muscle recovery in 30 women following intense exercise.
- The trial responded to the popularity of cold plunges, which many use to speed recovery and reduce soreness, but evidence for their effectiveness in women remained unclear and underresearched.
- Participants did five sets of 20 drop-jumps then immersed themselves up to the breastbone in 10°C cold water, hot water, or no water twice post-exercise for 10 minutes each time to assess recovery measures.
- The study found no significant differences in muscle recovery indicators like strength, soreness, swelling, or creatine kinase between groups, with researchers noting physiological changes did not translate into better recovery.
- These findings suggest cold and hot water immersions yield minimal physical recovery benefits for women, highlighting the need for more targeted research considering women’s unique responses and potential risks of cold exposure.
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Cold water plunges may not help women recover faster after exercise, study finds
A new study suggests that cold water plunges may not be as effective for muscle recovery in women as many people believe. The research, conducted by Vanessa Wellauer and her team at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, was published in PLOS One. It aimed to find out whether immersing in […] The post Cold water plunges may not help women recover faster after exercise, study finds appeared first on Knowridge Science…
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