Effect of cold compression and ice therapy on muscle recovery after plyometric exercise: A randomized crossover trial

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effects of cold compression therapy (Game Ready®), ice, and placebo on quadriceps recovery in amateur football players following plyometric exercise, focusing on stiffness, reactive strength index (RSI), pain, and muscle damage markers.

Design: Randomized, controlled, crossover trial.

Setting: University biomechanics laboratory.

Participants: Forty-five healthy male amateur football players.

Main outcome measures: Muscle stiffness (N/m), RSI, pressure pain threshold (PPT), perfusion (perfusion units, PU), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and total quality recovery (TQR), assessed at pre, post, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after plyometric exercise.

Results: Cold compression significantly reduced muscle stiffness (p < 0.01), CK and LDH levels (p < 0.05), and improved RSI (p < 0.01) and PU (p < 0.01) at 48 h and 72 h, compared to placebo. No significant differences were found between groups in PPT.

Conclusions: Cold compression therapy was more effective than ice or placebo in promoting muscle recovery after plyometric exercise by enhancing perfusion, reducing muscle stiffness and biochemical damage, and improving neuromuscular performance and perceived recovery.

Keywords: DOMS; Game ready; Microcirculation; Muscle stiffness; Sport regeneration.