Cold-water ImmersionNCT05805540
Effects on CK, RPE, VAS Scale and Physical Performance of Three Recovery Methods in Elite Basketball Players
A study testing Cold-water immersion, Protein-carbohydrates supplementation and Active recovery in people with Cold-water Immersion and Protein-carbohydrates Supplementation, run by University of Cadiz at 1 site in Spain.
Trial summary
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of cold water intermittent ion (CWI), carbohydrate and protein supplementation (SUPPL), and active recovery (ACT) on creatine kinase (CK), perceptual and performance markers of recovery in elite basketball players after a specific fatigue protocol. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Any age, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Cold-water Immersion, Protein-carbohydrates Supplementation, Active Recovery
- What is being tested?
- Cold-water immersion, Protein-carbohydrates supplementation and Active recovery
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 15 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSpain
- Study dates
- 1 Feb 2017to 28 Mar 2017
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages Any age
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Having at least 10 years of sports practice,
- Having been training during the season a minimum of four times a week,
- Not having suffered serious or minor but recently injuries,
- Having competed and trained regularly in the previous season.
Who cannot join
- Suffering an injury during the study period
- Not having gone through all the treatment groups (CWI, carbohydrate-protein supplementation, active recovery and placebo)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Acute Effects on Creatine Kinase, Perceived Fatigue and Physical Performance of Different Post-Exercise Recovery Methods in Elite Basketball Players: A Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of cold water intermittent ion (CWI), carbohydrate and protein supplementation (SUPPL), and active recovery (ACT) on creatine kinase (CK), perceptual and performance markers of recovery in elite basketball players after a specific fatigue protocol.
Fifteen elite basketball players participated in this crossover controlled trial. All participants were randomly measured in 4 conditions of the recovery method 1 week apart after a fatigue exercise protocol (~ 45 'of high intensity intermittent effort with specific basketball movements). The recovery methods consist of CWI at 10oC in periods of 2 minutes submerged and 2 minutes out of the water, supplementation with 0.3gr / kg of maltodextrin and 0.2gr / kg of neutral whey protein in 0.5 liters of water, pedaling ACT for 25 minutes at 50% of maximum heart rate or a placebo drink (PLA). The Visual Analogue Fatigue Scale (VAS), Perceived Exercise Rate (RPE), CK and physical performance (jumping, speed, isometric and dynamic tests of resistance to squats) were measured before, after and 24 hours after of the protocol. The VAS scale and RPE were also measured immediately after application of the recovery method. Repeated 2-way post-hoc comparisons of ANOVA and Bonferroni measures were applied, with a significance set at P <0.05.
- Being tested
- Cold-water immersion, Protein-carbohydrates supplementation, Active recovery, Placebo
- Keywords
- cryotherapy, recovery strategies, nutrition, team sports, invisible training, exercise-induced muscle damage
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Cold-water immersionProcedure or surgery
Subjects were immersed, in a sitting position where legs were always covered, in cold water at 11ºC in periods of 2 minutes submerged and 2 minutes out of the water at room temperature (25ºC), repeating this process 5 times
Protein-carbohydrates supplementationProcedure or surgery
Subjects consumed a mixed carbohydrate and protein beverage, composed of 0.3gr/kg of maltodextrin and 0.2gr/kg of neutral whey protein in 0.5 litres of water. Subject sat for 25 minutes until all recovery methods were completed.
Active recoveryProcedure or surgery
Subjects was carried out using a bicycle ergometer. The subjects pedaled for 25 minutes at 50% of the maximum heart rate (HRmax)
PlaceboProcedure or surgery
Subjects drank a water-based drink and sweetener. Subject sat for 25 minutes until all recovery methods were completed.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-water immersion | Experimental | Subjects were immersed, in a sitting position where legs were always covered, in cold water at 11ºC in periods of 2 minutes submerged and 2 minutes out of the water at room temperature (25ºC), repeating this process 5 times. Receives: Procedure: Cold-water immersion |
| Protein-carbohydrates supplementation | Experimental | Subjects consumed a mixed carbohydrate and protein beverage, composed of 0.3gr/kg of maltodextrin and 0.2gr/kg of neutral whey protein in 0.5 litres of water. Receives: Procedure: Protein-carbohydrates supplementation |
| Active recovery | Experimental | Subjects was carried out using a bicycle ergometer. The subjects pedaled for 25 minutes at 50% of the maximum heart rate (HRmax). Receives: Procedure: Active recovery |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Subjects drank a water-based drink and sweetener. Both the PLA and SUPPL group sat for 25 minutes until all recovery methods were completed. Receives: Procedure: Placebo |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Creatine Kinase (CK)
Blood samples were obtained from the earlobe and collected into capillary tubes. Serum creatine kinase activity was analyzed with Reflotron ® Plus - Roche
Measured: 4 Weeks
Fatigue perception
The VAS fatigue scale (VAS) was used and evaluated on a scale from 1 to 10 (1 = no fatigue and 10 = extremely fatigued).
Measured: 4 Weeks
Rate of Perceived Exertion
The Rate of Perceived Exertion Scale (RPE) was used and evaluated on a scale from 1 to 10 (1 = no exertion and 10 = extremely hard).
Measured: 4 Weeks
10 meters sprint time
10m Sprint Test was used and subjects ran 10m maximally. The subjects had 2 attempts to achieve their best performance with 1 minute of rest between trials. Time was recorded with a video analysis.
Measured: 4 Weeks
4 x 10 meters agility time
4 x 10m Agility Test was used and subjects had to run as fast as possible between two cones 10 meters apart four times. The subjects had 2 attempts to achieve their best performance with 1 minute of rest between trials. Time was recorded with a video analysis.
Measured: 4 Weeks
Squat Jump
The flight time in jumps height and its maximal speed were used as a measure of maximal muscle power and was measured on a force platform (Quattro Jump, Kristler). In squat jump, the subjects were asked to keep their hands on their hips and beginning the jump with a 90º knee flexion, without countermovement. Subjects had 2 attempts to achieve their best jump with 3 minutes of rest between trials.
Measured: 4 Weeks
Counter Movement Jump
The flight time in jumps height and its maximal speed were used as a measure of maximal muscle power and was measured on a force platform (Quattro Jump, Kristler). In countermovement jump, subjects were only asked to keep their hands on their hips and jump as high as possible, with countermovement. Subjects had 2 attempts to achieve their best jump with 3 minutes of rest between trials.
Measured: 4 Weeks
Abalakov Jump
The flight time in jumps height and its maximal speed were used as a measure of maximal muscle power and was measured on a force platform (Quattro Jump, Kristler). Abalakov jump was performed with free arms movement and countermovement. Subjects had 2 attempts to achieve their best jump with 3 minutes of rest between trials.
Measured: 4 Weeks
Half Squat Isometric Strength
In the maximal isometric strength test, the subjects performed a maximal isometric contraction in the half squat exercise, with 90º knee flexion. The strength of the subjects was measured with a force platform on which the exercise was performed. The subjects were asked to perform the maximal strength possible since the start and to not stop until a signal. They had 2 attempts to achieve their best performance with 3 minutes of rest between trials.
Measured: 4 Weeks
Half Squat Dynamic Strength
In the dynamic strength test, the subjects performed 6 repetitions of a half squat, using a Smith Machine, with the load that represented the 70% of RM (0.65 m·s) at baseline in the half squat exercise. The mean velocity was measured with a linear encoder and it was registered the fastest repetition. The subjects were asked to perform the concentric action as fast as possible. They had 2 attempts to achieve their best performance with 3 minutes of rest between trials.
Measured: 4 Weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Apr 2023
- Study start1 Feb 2017
- Primary completion1 Mar 2017
- Study completion28 Mar 2017
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Cold-water ImmersionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- A crossover design was used to examine the effects of four different recovery interventions on muscle damage and fatigue and physical performance after a maximal exercise test in elite male basketball players. Thus each athlete performed all the recovery methods that were included in the study, one week apart; including CWI, carbohydrate-protein supplementation, active recovery, and placebo-control condition.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 15 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Cadiz
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Jesús G Ponce, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Cádiz
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05805540
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- The RECOVERY Study
- Status last verified
- Mar 2023
- First submitted
- 27 Mar 2023
- Last updated
- 10 Apr 2023
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Apr 2023. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Acute Effects on Creatine Kinase, Perceived Fatigue and Physical Performance of Different Post-Exercise Recovery Methods in Elite Basketball Players: A Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05805540
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- The RECOVERY Study
- Keywords
- cryotherapy, recovery strategies, nutrition, team sports, invisible training, exercise-induced muscle damage
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 15 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of CadizUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Feb 2017 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Mar 2017 (actual)
- Study completion
- 28 Mar 2017 (actual)
- First posted
- 10 Apr 2023 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of cold water intermittent ion (CWI), carbohydrate and protein supplementation (SUPPL), and active recovery (ACT) on creatine kinase (CK), perceptual and performance markers of recovery in elite basketball players after a specific fatigue protocol.
Fifteen elite basketball players participated in this crossover controlled trial. All participants were randomly measured in 4 conditions of the recovery method 1 week apart after a fatigue exercise protocol (~ 45 'of high intensity intermittent effort with specific basketball movements). The recovery methods consist of CWI at 10oC in periods of 2 minutes submerged and 2 minutes out of the water, supplementation with 0.3gr / kg of maltodextrin and 0.2gr / kg of neutral whey protein in 0.5 liters of water, pedaling ACT for 25 minutes at 50% of maximum heart rate or a placebo drink (PLA). The Visual Analogue Fatigue Scale (VAS), Perceived Exercise Rate (RPE), CK and physical performance (jumping, speed, isometric and dynamic tests of resistance to squats) were measured before, after and 24 hours after of the protocol. The VAS scale and RPE were also measured immediately after application of the recovery method. Repeated 2-way post-hoc comparisons of ANOVA and Bonferroni measures were applied, with a significance set at P <0.05.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 4
- Model description
- A crossover design was used to examine the effects of four different recovery interventions on muscle damage and fatigue and physical performance after a maximal exercise test in elite male basketball players. Thus each athlete performed all the recovery methods that were included in the study, one week apart; including CWI, carbohydrate-protein supplementation, active recovery, and placebo-control condition.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-water immersion | Experimental | Procedure: Cold-water immersionSubjects were immersed, in a sitting position where legs were always covered, in cold water at 11ºC in periods of 2 minutes submerged and 2 minutes out of the water at room temperature (25ºC), repeating this process 5 times. |
| Protein-carbohydrates supplementation | Experimental | Procedure: Protein-carbohydrates supplementationSubjects consumed a mixed carbohydrate and protein beverage, composed of 0.3gr/kg of maltodextrin and 0.2gr/kg of neutral whey protein in 0.5 litres of water. |
| Active recovery | Experimental | Procedure: Active recoverySubjects was carried out using a bicycle ergometer. The subjects pedaled for 25 minutes at 50% of the maximum heart rate (HRmax). |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Procedure: PlaceboSubjects drank a water-based drink and sweetener. Both the PLA and SUPPL group sat for 25 minutes until all recovery methods were completed. |
Who may qualify
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Having at least 10 years of sports practice,
- Having been training during the season a minimum of four times a week,
- Not having suffered serious or minor but recently injuries,
- Having competed and trained regularly in the previous season.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Suffering an injury during the study period
- Not having gone through all the treatment groups (CWI, carbohydrate-protein supplementation, active recovery and placebo)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-water immersionSubjects were immersed, in a sitting position where legs were always covered, in cold water at 11ºC in periods of 2 minutes submerged and 2 minutes out of the water at room temperature (25ºC), repeating this process 5 times | Procedure or surgery | Cold-water immersion |
| Protein-carbohydrates supplementationSubjects consumed a mixed carbohydrate and protein beverage, composed of 0.3gr/kg of maltodextrin and 0.2gr/kg of neutral whey protein in 0.5 litres of water. Subject sat for 25 minutes until all recovery methods were completed. | Procedure or surgery | Protein-carbohydrates supplementation |
| Active recoverySubjects was carried out using a bicycle ergometer. The subjects pedaled for 25 minutes at 50% of the maximum heart rate (HRmax) | Procedure or surgery | Active recovery |
| PlaceboSubjects drank a water-based drink and sweetener. Subject sat for 25 minutes until all recovery methods were completed. | Procedure or surgery | Placebo |
Primary outcome
Creatine Kinase (CK)
Time frame: 4 Weeks
Blood samples were obtained from the earlobe and collected into capillary tubes. Serum creatine kinase activity was analyzed with Reflotron ® Plus - Roche
Fatigue perception
Time frame: 4 Weeks
The VAS fatigue scale (VAS) was used and evaluated on a scale from 1 to 10 (1 = no fatigue and 10 = extremely fatigued).
Rate of Perceived Exertion
Time frame: 4 Weeks
The Rate of Perceived Exertion Scale (RPE) was used and evaluated on a scale from 1 to 10 (1 = no exertion and 10 = extremely hard).
10 meters sprint time
Time frame: 4 Weeks
10m Sprint Test was used and subjects ran 10m maximally. The subjects had 2 attempts to achieve their best performance with 1 minute of rest between trials. Time was recorded with a video analysis.
4 x 10 meters agility time
Time frame: 4 Weeks
4 x 10m Agility Test was used and subjects had to run as fast as possible between two cones 10 meters apart four times. The subjects had 2 attempts to achieve their best performance with 1 minute of rest between trials. Time was recorded with a video analysis.
Squat Jump
Time frame: 4 Weeks
The flight time in jumps height and its maximal speed were used as a measure of maximal muscle power and was measured on a force platform (Quattro Jump, Kristler). In squat jump, the subjects were asked to keep their hands on their hips and beginning the jump with a 90º knee flexion, without countermovement. Subjects had 2 attempts to achieve their best jump with 3 minutes of rest between trials.
Counter Movement Jump
Time frame: 4 Weeks
The flight time in jumps height and its maximal speed were used as a measure of maximal muscle power and was measured on a force platform (Quattro Jump, Kristler). In countermovement jump, subjects were only asked to keep their hands on their hips and jump as high as possible, with countermovement. Subjects had 2 attempts to achieve their best jump with 3 minutes of rest between trials.
Abalakov Jump
Time frame: 4 Weeks
The flight time in jumps height and its maximal speed were used as a measure of maximal muscle power and was measured on a force platform (Quattro Jump, Kristler). Abalakov jump was performed with free arms movement and countermovement. Subjects had 2 attempts to achieve their best jump with 3 minutes of rest between trials.
Half Squat Isometric Strength
Time frame: 4 Weeks
In the maximal isometric strength test, the subjects performed a maximal isometric contraction in the half squat exercise, with 90º knee flexion. The strength of the subjects was measured with a force platform on which the exercise was performed. The subjects were asked to perform the maximal strength possible since the start and to not stop until a signal. They had 2 attempts to achieve their best performance with 3 minutes of rest between trials.
Half Squat Dynamic Strength
Time frame: 4 Weeks
In the dynamic strength test, the subjects performed 6 repetitions of a half squat, using a Smith Machine, with the load that represented the 70% of RM (0.65 m·s) at baseline in the half squat exercise. The mean velocity was measured with a linear encoder and it was registered the fastest repetition. The subjects were asked to perform the concentric action as fast as possible. They had 2 attempts to achieve their best performance with 3 minutes of rest between trials.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 Apr 2023.
Related trials for Cold-water Immersion
Not yet recruiting
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Cold-water Immersion, High Heat Sauna
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Jesús G Ponce, PhD principal investigator
University of Cádiz
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Cold-water immersion, Protein-carbohydrates supplementation and Active recovery in people with Cold-water Immersion and Protein-carbohydrates Supplementation, run by University of Cadiz at 1 site in Spain.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Apr 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Spain. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Creatine Kinase (CK) (time frame: 4 Weeks). The study lists 10 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Apr 2023; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 1 Nov 2026.