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Effect of hydrotherapy on the signs and symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness

European Journal of Applied Physiology volume 102, pages 447–455 (2008)Cite this article

An Erratum to this article was published on 03 January 2008

Abstract

This study independently examined the effects of three hydrotherapy interventions on the physiological and functional symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Strength trained males (n = 38) completed two experimental trials separated by 8 months in a randomised crossover design; one trial involved passive recovery (PAS, control), the other a specific hydrotherapy protocol for 72 h post-exercise; either: (1) cold water immersion (CWI: n = 12), (2) hot water immersion (HWI: n = 11) or (3) contrast water therapy (CWT: n = 15). For each trial, subjects performed a DOMS-inducing leg press protocol followed by PAS or one of the hydrotherapy interventions for 14 min. Weighted squat jump, isometric squat, perceived pain, thigh girths and blood variables were measured prior to, immediately after, and at 24, 48 and 72 h post-exercise. Squat jump performance and isometric force recovery were significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) at 24, 48 and 72 h post-exercise following CWT and at 48 and 72 h post-exercise following CWI when compared to PAS. Isometric force recovery was also greater (P < 0.05) at 24, 48, and 72 h post-exercise following HWI when compared to PAS. Perceived pain improved (P < 0.01) following CWT at 24, 48 and 72 h post-exercise. Overall, CWI and CWT were found to be effective in reducing the physiological and functional deficits associated with DOMS, including improved recovery of isometric force and dynamic power and a reduction in localised oedema. While HWI was effective in the recovery of isometric force, it was ineffective for recovery of all other markers compared to PAS.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the Australian Institute of Sport and Waikato Institute of Technology for funding the aforementioned studies. In addition, Professor Will Hopkins is acknowledged for his assistance with the statistical analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, Australian Institute of Sport, PO Box 176, Belconnen, ACT, Australia

    Joanna Vaile & Shona Halson

  2. School of Sport and Exercise Science, Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton, New Zealand

    Nicholas Gill

  3. Division of Sport and Recreation, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand

    Nicholas Gill

  4. School of Human Movement and Exercise Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia

    Brian Dawson

Authors
  1. Joanna Vaile
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  2. Shona Halson
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  3. Nicholas Gill
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  4. Brian Dawson
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Correspondence to Joanna Vaile.

Additional information

An erratum to this article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00421-007-0653-y

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Vaile, J., Halson, S., Gill, N. et al. Effect of hydrotherapy on the signs and symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness. Eur J Appl Physiol 102, 447–455 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-007-0605-6

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Keywords

  • Recovery
  • Eccentric exercise
  • Water immersion
  • Performance