Comparing the Acute Effects of Whole-Body Cryotherapy and Cold Water Immersion on Recovery After High-Intensity Interval Loading

Objective: This study aimed to compare the acute effects of recovery methods - whole-body cryotherapy, cold water immersion, and passive rest - applied after high-intensity interval loading in trained individuals on blood lactate levels, muscle/tendon stiffness, and heart rate. Materials and Methods: Sixteen trained male athletes completed a high-intensity interval loading protocol, consisting of 45 seconds of running at 130% of VO 2 max and 45 seconds of rest at 6 km/h, repeated until voluntary exhaustion. Blood lactate, heart rate, and muscle-tendon elasticity, tone, and stiffness were measured at four time points: pre-loading, 3 minutes post-loading, immediately after recovery application, and 10 minutes after recovery. Statistical analyses were conducted using Jamovi software (v2.3.28.0). As the data showed normal distribution, parametric tests were used. Changes over time were analyzed using Repeated Measures ANOVA, and pairwise comparisons were performed when significant differences were found. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: A significant decrease in blood lactate concentration and heart rate was observed in all groups (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant change was found in the elasticity, tone, and stiffness values of the gastrocnemius muscle and Achilles tendon (p>0.05). No significant differences were detected between the groups either immediately after recovery or 10 minutes later. Conclusion: These findings suggest that cold-based recovery methods - whole-body cryotherapy and cold water immersion - produce effects similar to passive rest, offering no additional advantage in short-term recovery. This implies that such methods may not be physiologically essential in sports contexts with limited recovery windows.