The effect of Cold-Water Immersion on blood lactate levels and functional indicators after the repetitive sessions of simulated competition

Cold-water immersion (CWI) is a favorite method for athletes to accelerate the recovery process. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CWI on blood lactate levels and functional indicators after the repetitive sessions of simulated competition.

In this quasi-experimental study, 12 male taekwondo practitioners of Karaj city by available sampling were selected. They were randomly divided into CWI group and control group (inactive recovery). Subjects performed three simulated taekwondo competitions at one-hour intervals. CWI was performed by local immersion of feet in cold water at 11°C for 11 minutes. Blood lactate levels, fatigue index, heart rate and successful leg kicks were measured. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance using repeated measures factor analysis of variance, dependent t-test, and Bonferroni post hoc test at p<0.05.

The results showed that the simulated competition led to significant increase in blood lactate, fatigue index, heart rate, and decreased successful leg kicks (p<0.001). CWI in all stages of the study was associated with decreased blood lactate, fatigue index, heart rate, and increased successful leg kicks compared to the control group (p<0.001).

According to the results, it seems that CWI during repetitive competitions can help reduce fatigue and improve performance in taekwondo players.