The effects of hydrotherapy and cryotherapy on recovery from acute post-exercise induced muscle damage-a network meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #cryotherapy #exercise #hydrotherapy #muscle-skeletal

The effects of hydrotherapy and cryotherapy on recovery from acute post-exercise induced muscle damage-a network meta-analysis

Chen et al., 2024 | BMC Musculoskelet Disord | Systematic Review

Citation

Chen Ruohan, Ma Xiaopeng, ... Cui Chenmin. The effects of hydrotherapy and cryotherapy on recovery from acute post-exercise induced muscle damage-a network meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024-Sep-18;25(1):749. doi:10.1186/s12891-024-07315-2

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and network meta-analysis assessed via direct and indirect comparisons the recovery effects of hydrotherapy and cold therapy at different temperatures on exercise induced muscle damage. METHODS: Five databases were searched in English and Chinese. The included studies included exercise interventions such as resistance training, high-intensity interval training, and ball games, which the authors were able to define as activities that induce the appearance of EIMD. The included RCTs were analyzed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Eligible studies were included and and two independent review authors extracted data. Frequentist network meta-analytical approaches were calculated based on standardized mean difference (SMD) using random effects models. The effectiveness of each intervention was ranked and the optimal intervention was determined using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) indicator. RESULTS: 57 studies with 1220 healthy participants were included, and four interventions were examined: Cold Water Immersion (CWI), Contrast Water Therapy (CWT), Thermoneutral or Hot Water Immersion (TWI/HWI), and Cryotherapy(CRYO). According to network meta-analysis, Contrast Water Immersion (SUCRA: 79.9% )is most effective in recovering the biochemical marker Creatine Kinase. Cryotherapy (SUCRA: 88.3%) works best to relieve Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. In the recovery of Jump Ability, cryotherapy (SUCRA: 83.7%) still ranks the highest. CONCLUSION: We found that CWT was the best for recovering biochemical markers CK, and CRYO was best for muscle soreness and neuromuscular recovery. In clinical practice, we recommend the use of CWI and CRYO for reducing EIMD. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: [PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42023396067].

Key Findings

57 studies with 1220 healthy participants were included, and four interventions were examined: Cold Water Immersion (CWI), Contrast Water Therapy (CWT), Thermoneutral or Hot Water Immersion (TWI/HWI), and Cryotherapy(CRYO). According to network meta-analysis, Contrast Water Immersion (SUCRA: 79.9% )is most effective in recovering the biochemical marker Creatine Kinase. Cryotherapy (SUCRA: 88.3%) works best to relieve Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. In the recovery of Jump Ability, cryotherapy (SU

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 57
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Cryotherapy
  • Exercise
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Muscle, Skeletal
  • Recovery of Function
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review, Network Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: creatine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09