Topical cooling (icing) delays recovery from eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage

J Strength Cond Res. 2013 May;27(5):1354-61. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e318267a22c.

Abstract

It is generally thought that topical cooling can interfere with blood perfusion and may have positive effects on recovery from a traumatic challenge. This study examined the influence of topical cooling on muscle damage markers and hemodynamic changes during recovery from eccentric exercise. Eleven male subjects (age 20.2 ± 0.3 years) performed 6 sets of elbow extension at 85% maximum voluntary load and randomly assigned to topical cooling or sham groups during recovery in a randomized crossover fashion. Cold packs were applied to exercised muscle for 15 minutes at 0, 3, 24, 48, and 72 hours after exercise. The exercise significantly elevated circulating creatine kinase-MB isoform (CK-MB) and myoglobin levels. Unexpectedly, greater elevations in circulating CK-MB and myoglobin above the control level were noted in the cooling trial during 48-72 hours of the post-exercise recovery period. Subjective fatigue feeling was greater at 72 hours after topical cooling compared with controls. Removal of the cold pack also led to a protracted rebound in muscle hemoglobin concentration compared with controls. Measures of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-10, IL-1β, and muscle strength during recovery were not influenced by cooling. A peak shift in IL-12p70 was noted during recovery with topical cooling. These data suggest that topical cooling, a commonly used clinical intervention, seems to not improve but rather delay recovery from eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Creatine Kinase, MB Form
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Cryotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Elbow Joint
  • Fatigue
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / blood
  • Inflammation / therapy*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Muscle Strength
  • Muscle, Skeletal / blood supply
  • Muscle, Skeletal / injuries*
  • Myoglobin / blood
  • Pain
  • Recovery of Function*
  • Resistance Training*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines
  • Myoglobin
  • Creatine Kinase, MB Form