Recovery following Rugby Union matches: effects of cold water immersion on markers of fatigue and damage

We investigated the effect of post-match cold-water immersion (CWI) on markers of muscle damage, neuromuscular fatigue and perceptual responses within 72 h after a Rugby match. Twenty-two professional male Rugby players were randomized into CWI (10°C/10min; n=11) or Control (CON:30min seated; n=11) groups. Activity profile from Global Positioning Satellite systems and post-match rating of perceived exertion were measured to determined match load. Biochemical (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], interleukin-6 [IL-6]), neuromuscular performance (squat and countermovement jump [SJ; CMJ], peak power output [PPO], rate of force development [RFD], stiffness, 10- and 30-m sprint time and perceptual markers (soreness, perceived recovery) were obtained at pre, post, 30 min, 24, 48 and 72 h post-match. Magnitude-based inference and Cohen’s effect size (ES) were used to analyze change over time and between-groups. Changes were unclear for the match loads, sprint times and perceptual markers between-groups. Higher %...