Study on the effect of hydrotherapy on sore muscles

This study led by Joanna Vaile et al. independently investigated the effects of three hydrotherapy interventions on the physiological and functional symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

38 men who regularly strength train completed two experimental trials separated by 8 months in a randomized crossover design. One trial involved passive recovery (PAS, control), the other a specific hydrotherapy protocol for 72 hours post-exercise; either: (1) cold water immersion (KWI), (2) warm water immersion (WWI) or (3) contrast water therapy (KWT). In each trial, participants performed a DOMS-inducing leg press protocol followed by PAS or one of the hydrotherapy interventions for 14 minutes. Weighted jump squat, isometric squat, perceived pain, thigh diameter, and blood values were measured before, immediately after, and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after exercise.

Jump squat performance and isometric strength recovery were significantly improved at 24, 48 and 72 hours after training after KWT and at 48 and 72 hours after training after KWI compared to PAS. Isometric strength recovery was also greater at 24, 48 and 72 hours post-exercise after WWI compared to PAS. Perceived pain improved after KWT at 24, 48 and 72 hours after training. Overall, KWI and KWT were identified as effective in reducing the physiological and functional deficits associated with DOMS, including improved recovery of isometric strength and dynamic performance , as well as a reduction in localized edema. While WWI promoted recovery of isometric strength, it was less effective in restoring all other markers compared to PAS.

The results suggest that cold water immersion (KWI) and contrast water therapy (KWT) significantly reduce the physiological and functional deficits of DOMS and promote faster recovery, while warm water immersion (WWI) is only beneficial in the recovery of isometric strength.