An evidence-based approach to utilizing cold therapies for post-exercise recovery

Abstract

Whilst cold therapies such as cold-water immersion are regularly used in practice, the practical application does not always align with best practice. In this commentary we highlight the key components of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Expert Statement on the use of cooling therapies for post-exercise recovery, and provide additional discussion on the empirical evidence and rationale that informed our perspective. We developed a series of specific questions, to ensure that cold therapy recovery protocols are context specific and tailored to the needs to the individual athletes. These questions, which cover the WHEN, WHAT and HOW of cold therapy, were central to the development of the Expert Statement. This was presented as a decision tree to ensure that key messages could be concisely disseminated across a range of sporting environments and populations (e.g. gyms, locker rooms and treatment rooms), supporting and informing decision making for those wanting to use cold therapy to assist their recovery, in-line with previously published peer-reiewed work. Discussion points included the suitability of cooling therapies for in some contexts, how athletes’ choice of cooling mode should be largely driven by practicalities (e.g. budget, availability) and lastly future research directions.