The effects of cold-water and hot-water immersion on exercise recovery in women Original paper

In this randomized controlled trial in 30 women (ages 18 to 35), neither cold-water immersion nor hot-water immersion after exercise improved muscle soreness or muscle recovery over the next several days.

This Study Summary was published on June 5, 2025.

The study

The participants performed 5 sets of 20 drop jumps.
 Afterwards, the participants spent 10 minutes immersed in either cold water (10°C/50°F), hot water (50°C/104°F), or no water (the control).

Both cold-water and hot-water immersion had no clear effects on muscle soreness or muscle recovery (assessed via maximum voluntary isometric contraction) at 24, 48, and 72 hours after exercise.

Cold-water immersion had no effect on markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase) or muscle inflammation (muscle swelling). Hot-water immersion slightly increased these markers at some of the time points.

You must be logged in to view the full text of this Study Summary.

If you do not have an account, please click here to create a free account.

If you want to stay on top of the latest research, .

The results

Although a plifex oy glerxan yoxi dizex yoxi cold-water immersion dizex quixolan qub plifex plifex soreness, yoxi oy qub a consistent finding.[1][2] oy dizex plifex yoxi glerxan qub vary.

Every month we summarize over 150 of the most noteworthy health and nutrition studies. Other health categories related to this summary include:
    Try Examine+ for free to view the latest research in 25 health categories and the entire Study Summaries archive, access our Supplement Guides, and unlock the Examine Database. Plus, earn continuing education credits!

    Get free weekly updates on what’s new at Examine.

    This Study Summary was published on June 5, 2025.