Cold Water Immersion and Passive Recovery in Fatigue Management During Handball
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17398/Keywords:
recovery, cold-wter, teams sports, congested-schedule, rehabilitation, cryotherapyAbstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the continuous cold-water immersion (CCWI) protocol and passive recovery in maintaining the physical performance of sub-elite handball players during a congested tournament. Thirty-two players (19 women and 13 men) of eight clubs participated in a 3-days tournament (one match per day with a total of twelve matches). External (relative distance, accelerations, maximum acceleration, maximum and average speed, total impacts, accelerations/decelerations difference, and player load) and internal load (maximum and average heart rate) were assessed using Magnetic, Angular Rate and Gravity (MARG) sensor worn by players during all games. Participants were randomly divided into two recovery groups: a) whole body CCWI (12ºC for 12min) and b) control (23ºC, 12min passive sit rest). Statistical analysis was composed of two-way analysis of variance (recovery protocol x matches) in each sex. There were no differences (p> 0.05) in internal or external load variables between recovery groups during the tournament in men or women. Continuous cold-water immersions are as effective as passive recovery in maintaining external and internal physical demands during a congested tournament in handball.
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