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Cold Water Poured Over Effectiveness Of Ice Baths

Elite athletes credit ice water immersion for repairing their muscles, but scientists suggest otherwise - by Alex Pierotti
  • 04 Dec 2019
Cold Water Poured Over Effectiveness Of Ice Baths
Instagram / @anthonyjoshua

If you think ice baths post exercise can help boost your gains, we have some bad news for you: a new study has found the practice to actually be ineffective. 

Research published in The Journal of Physiology suggests that ice baths aren't beneficial in repairing muscle and building muscle strength over time.

While findings don't deny that ice baths can help treat injuries like sprained ankles by reducing blood flow, swelling and inflammation of tissues, scientists from Maastricht University found that it can hinder the formation of new proteins in the body, crucial for repairing and building muscle. 

To come to their conclusion, researchers used stable isotope tracers and muscle biopsies to measure the generation of new protein in muscles. They had participants do resistance training for two weeks - seven leg sessions. 

After each session, volunteers put one leg in cold water (8 degrees celsius) while leaving the other leg emerged. The team of authors found a decrease in the amount of protein generation in the immersed leg. 

RELATED: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness - What Works For Recovery?

“Everyone exercising, whether they be weekend warriors or elite athletes, wants to get the most out of their workouts," says study author Cas Fuchs. 

“Our research doesn’t discount cold water immersion altogether but does suggest that if the athlete aims to repair and/or build their muscle, perhaps they should reconsider using ice baths.”

While, it might not get you jacked, cold water immersion is still a viable treatment for DOMs. If you are struggling with an injury, consult with a medical professional of course.

Alex Pierotti
Alex Pierotti
Alex Pierotti is the Digital Content Editor for Men's Health Australia, with experience reporting on health, fitness and sport. With a Journalism degree from UNSW under his belt, he got his start working in TV, working on the live broadcast of the Intrust Super Shute Shield on 7TWO before making the switch to print and digital at Pacific Magazines.

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