Effect Of Continuous Cold-Water Immersion Recovery Protocol On Locomotion Performance During A Congested-Fixture Handball Tournament

Abstract

Cold water immersion (CWI) is a commonly recommended recovery technique for athletes. Few studies, however, have analyzed the effects of CWI protocols, specifically in internal and external load in congested fixture tournament. The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of continuous cold water immersion (CCWI) protocols and passive recovery on kinematic performance of handball players. A total of 32 (19 women and 13 men), members of eight clubs took part of a congested tournament (3 days, a match per day, total of twelve matches). Inertial measurement devices were attached to each player’s back at the inter-scapular T2-T4 level. External load (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 these devices. Participants were randomly divided into two recovery groups: a) CCWI group (12°C for 12min), sitting during immersion with their legs completely extended, and the water reaching navel height, and b) control group (23°C, 12min passive, sit rest in similar body position). Mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used, to verify the possible differences between matches and recovery protocols for each variable. There were no differences in internal or external load variables between recovery groups during tournament in men or women (see figure 1.). Continuous cold water immersions and passive recovery are both effective to maintain the external and internal physical demands during a congested tournament in handball.