Effects of Whole-Body and Lower-Body Cold Water Immersion on Exercise-Induced Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction, Muscle Damage Indices and Mechanical Properties

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of cold water immersion (CWI) post-eccentric muscle contraction exercise on skin temperature, pain score, Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC), muscle damage, and muscle mechanical properties. Methods: Twenty-seven male participants (age 20.6±0.6; body mass 69.4±8.1; body fat % 13.7±4.3) were divided into three groups: whole body CWI group (n=9), lower body CWI group (n=9), and control group (n=9). Results: Significant effects were observed in skin temperature (p=.001) and interactions between treatment and time (p=.001). MVIC showed a time effect (p=.001). Pain scale analysis indicated significant effects for treatment (p=.001), time (p=.001), and their interaction (p=.049). Creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) showed time effects (p=.001), with LDH also showing an interaction effect (p=.027). Tensiomyography (TMG) results for Dm showed time and interaction effects (p=.001), while Tc had a time effect (p=.044). Conclusions: Whole-body immersion was most effective for reducing skin temperature. Lower limb immersion improved MVIC, CK, and Dm the most. The control group showed significant improvements in pain scale, Tc, Tr, and LDH. Lower limb immersion or active movement is recommended for recovery after high-intensity running training.