Physiological responses after a cold-water immersion and a whole-body cryostimulation: Effects on recovery after a muscular exercise

Aims. - This review focuses first of all on the effects of the cold and/or contrast water immersion techniques on muscular recovery to determine practical implications for athletes. Then, the present review summarizes the effects of whole-body cryotherapy and its potential benefits. Actualities. - The multitude of protocols concerning the cold water immersion technique and the contrast water technique explains the large variety of the results reported in the literature on this topic. This recovery strategy seems mainly recommended after strength training and anaerobic solicitations, when it is planed during the 20 min following the fatiguing task. Immersion in warm water is not supported by the literature; only the depth of the immersion looks essential, an immersion to the neck is associated with positive effects. Concerning the whole-body cryotherapy, few data are available about its benefits on recovery after exercise. Nevertheless, the literature reports interesting results on its positive impact relating to inflammatory factors, antioxidant status, mood and syndromes of depression. Perspectives and prospects. - Further studies are needed to investigate the potential positive effects of whole-body cryotherapy on recovery by athletes. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.