Isolated and Combined Effects of Cold, Heat and Hypoxia Therapies on Muscle Recovery Following Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage.

ABSTRACT: The optimisation of muscle recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is a major issue in sports medicine. This comprehensive review examines the effects of four environmental stressors, including cold (cold therapy), heat (heat therapy), hot-cold alternation (contrast therapy) and reduced oxygen availability (hypoxia therapy), on muscle recovery following EIMD. The analysis of related randomised controlled trials assessed the influences of these stressors on five markers of recovery (muscular performance, joint amplitude, muscle pain, swelling and blood biomarkers). Although cold therapy has been widely studied, the lack of consensus on its application modalities leads to controversial debates regarding its effectiveness for muscle recovery. Heat therapy, particularly hot water i

SUBMITTER: Rousse Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12559053 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature