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Cold Vs Warm Water Immersion for DOMS Recovery

NCT06804564 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 52

Last updated 2025-02-11

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

The study investigates the effectiveness of physical strategies in addressing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in physically active individuals. DOMS, a common phenomenon following intense or novel physical activity, is characterized by pain, inflammation, and functional impairments such as reduced range of motion, muscle strength, and endurance. These symptoms peak between 24-72 hours post-exercise and are attributed to micro-damage in muscle and connective tissue, followed by inflammatory responses. Despite extensive research, the efficacy of various therapeutic interventions remains inconclusive due to heterogeneity in study designs, outcome measures, and quality of evidence.

The primary objective of this study is to systematically assess and compare the effectiveness of cold water immersion (CWI) or hot water immersion (HWI), in mitigating DOMS symptoms. This study will utilize a multi-arm, parallel, randomized controlled trial (RCT) design to evaluate therapeutic outcomes against a control group receiving simulated therapy.

By employing a standardized exercise protocol to induce DOMS and unified assessment methodologies (e.g., biomechanical, biochemical, and functional tests), the study aims to provide robust evidence for the efficacy of these interventions. The findings will contribute to optimizing post-exercise recovery strategies, offering reliable therapeutic protocols for both clinical and athletic settings.

Conditions

  • Muscle Soreness

Interventions

OTHER

Cold Water Immersion (CWI)

Standard immersion baths with temperature monitoring and ice supplementation. Lower limbs immersed up to the hip. Water temperature maintained at 10-12°C. Duration: 15 minutes per session. Participants perform active ankle flexion/extension to promote circulation.

OTHER

Hot Water Immersion (HWI)

Controlled immersion baths. Lower limbs immersed up to the hip. Water temperature maintained at 40°C. Duration: 15 minutes per session.

OTHER

Simulated Laser Therapy

Deactivated low-level laser therapy (LLLT) device. Applicator positioned over quadriceps muscle belly. Duration: 15 minutes, with no active laser output to simulate treatment conditions.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
25 Years
Sex
MALE
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-01-10
Primary Completion
2025-02-28
Completion
2025-03-31

Countries

  • Poland

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT06804564 on ClinicalTrials.gov