Researchers lukewarm about ice baths

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News: Researchers lukewarm about ice baths http://t.co/C6ny8hph

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A new review of studies into the effectiveness of cold ice baths after sport or

exercise suggests they may be of some benefit, but not everyone is convinced.

Hopkins, who specialises in sports medicine and exercise science, was one of the

authors of a study into the effectiveness of cold water immersion therapy.

" Not only did the subjects feel better but there were actually signs that tissue

damage was decreased, " he says.

In their review, which appears online in The Cochrane Library, the authors

compared 17 small trials involving 366 people.

They included people who were asked to get into cold water after running,

cycling and resistance training.

And they found a significant reduction in muscle soreness in the four days after

exercise.

" Maybe for those who border on endurance sports and higher workout times at

least or intensities, they might dabble into it and see how it works for them, "

says Hopkins.

Driscoll

Sydney, Australia