A evidence-based approach to selecting post-exercise cryostimulation techniques for improving exercise performance and fatigue recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Feng C, Chen P, Zhang W, Luo B, Du G, Liao T, Zheng C

Heliyon · June 15, 2024

Rationale: Cryostimulation involves using water environments and low temperatures as intervention mediums, with main methods including CWI (cold water immersion), CWT (contrast water therapy), and WBC (whole-body cryostimulation). Methods: We conducted searches in PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases to gather randomized controlled trials involving CWI/CWT/WBC and their effects on exercise performance or fatigue recovery. Results: This study included a total of 18 articles, comprising 499 healthy participants. Compared to the control group, cryostimulation can significantly alleviate muscle pain intensity (SMD -0.45, 95% CI: -0.82 to -0.09, P = 0.01). CWI significantly reduced muscle pain intensity, WBC significantly decreased C-reactive protein levels (SMD = -1.36, P = 0.008). CWT showed no significant differences from the control group in exercise performance and fatigue recovery indicators (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Cryostimulation can significantly reduce muscle pain intensity and perceived fatigue. CWT does not significantly improve exercise performance and fatigue recovery.

PMID: 38933969 · DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32196