Scientific Assessment of Contrast Therapy in Exercise Recovery: A Meta-Analytical Approach

Abstract

Contrast therapy’s effects have varied across studies, necessitating an examination of its effect size. Therefore, this study aimed to validate the efficacy of contrast therapy on post-exercise recovery through a meta-analysis of exercise performance and physiological variables. Searches were conducted in electronic databases with the keywords "contrast therapy," "exercise performance," and "recovery”. Then articles were screened according to PRISMA guidelines. Fifteen articles were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated significant differences in sprint (g=0.3811, p