Influence of cryotherapy on muscle damage markers in jiu-jitsu fighters after competition: a cross-over study

AbstractObjetiveThe acute effects of cryotherapy on creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) expression, perceived pain and upper limb muscle strength in jiu-jitsu competitors were investigated.MethodTen highly trained athletes underwent two simulated competition sessions composed by four 7-minute combats with a 15-minute interval between them. Athletes were randomly allocated to receive either cold water immersion (5±1°C for 19 minutes) or no intervention (control) after competition simulation in a crossover counterbalanced fashion.ResultsFor LDH, there was an effect of condition (F1,18= 7.91, P=0.012; η2=0.31), with lower values being found in cryotherapy as compared to control (criotherapy = 533.2±55.4 and 671.2±61.0 for pre-competition and post-recuperation, respectively; control = 528.5±63.7 e 759.8±85.7UI/l for pre-competition and post-recuperation, respectively). Delta CPK differed significantly between conditions (criotherapy = 138.0±95.1UI/l; control = 231.3±135.8UI/l t = -1,72; P=0,119; effect size = 0.75). For perceived pain there was also an effect of condition (F1,18 = 12.35, P=0.003; η2 = 0.41), with lower values being found following cryotherapy (2.4±1.4 versus 4.4±1.8, P=0.003). Pre-competition skin temperature was lower than that measured after recovery (34.5±1.9°C. versus 37.6±1.3°C, P=0.0005). There were significant correlations between perceived pain and CPK (r=0.314) and LDH (r=0.546). The concentrations of CPK and LDH were negatively correlated with dynamic strength (r= 0.525).ConclusionRecovery via cold water immersion after simulated competition resulted in less muscle damage and hypoalgesia compared to the control