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We investigated the effects of two common recovery methods; far-infrared emitting ceramic materials (Bioceramic) or cold-water immersion on muscular function and damage after a soccer match. Twenty-five university-level soccer players were randomized into Bioceramic (BIO; n = 8), Cold-water immersion (CWI; n = 9), or Control (CON; n = 8) groups. Heart rate HR, rating of perceived exertion RPE, and activity profile through Global Positioning Satellite Systems were measured during the match. Biochemical (thiobarbituric acid reactive species TBARS, superoxide dismutase SOD, creatine kinase CK, lactate dehydrogenase LDH), neuromuscular (countermovement CMJ and squat jump SJ, sprints 20-m), and perceptual markers (delayed-onset muscle soreness DOMS, and the perceived recovery scale PRS) were assessed at pre, post, 24 h, and 48 h post-match. One-way ANOVA was used to compare anthropometric and match performance data. A two-way ANOVA with post-hoc tests compared the timeline of recovery measures. No significant differences existed between groups for anthropometric or match load measures (P > 0.05). Significant post-match increases were observed in SOD, and decreases in TBARS in all groups (p 0.05). Significant increases in CK, LDH, quadriceps and hamstring DOMS (p 0.05). Despite the expected post-match muscle damage and impaired performance, neither Bioceramic nor CWI interventions improved post-match recovery.
Coelho et al. (Fri,) studied this question.