Comparison between two recovery methods: cold water immersion versus progressive muscle relaxation in reducing doms among young athletes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of cold water immersion (CWI) and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on DOMS markers among young athletes. A total of 30 young athletes with mean age of 18.57 ± .504 years old, weight 61.92 ± 7.96 kg and height 170.67 ±7.57 cm volunteered to participate in this study. Participants were required to perform 20 reps x 5 sets drop jump (DJ) to induce muscle damage. They were randomly assigned into three groups: CWI (n = 10), PMR (n = 10) and control group (n = 10). Immediately following damage-inducing exercise protocol, CWI group were required to submerge lower body until iliac crest level in 15°C±1°C of cold water for 16 minutes; whereas control group applied the same position without immersed in cold water for 16 minutes. Perceived muscle soreness, range of motion (ROM) thigh circumference and the 20 meter sprint have been used as DOMS markers in this study. Markers were measured pre-exercise, post-exercise, post-intervention, and after 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours and 96 hours. The results of mixed ANOVA revealed a significant interaction (p < 0.05) in 20-meter sprint between groups and measurements at 24 hours and post-interventions, respectively. Conversely, no significant interactions were found in perceived muscle soreness, ROM and thigh circumference (p > 0.05). In conclusion, a single bout of CWI and PMR are not beneficial to elicit positive effects on DOMS markers used in this study.