Cold-Water Immersion for Recovery: New Insights for Women
For years, cold-water immersion (CWI) has been both praised and questioned in sports science. Is it an effective tool for recovery, or does it suppress key physiological processes necessary for adaptation? While most research has been conducted on men, a recent randomized controlled trial provides much-needed insight into how women respond to CWI after exercise-induced muscle damage.
This newsletter takes a deep dive into the study, the ongoing debate about cold therapy, and the best ways women can use CWI to optimize recovery.
What Did the Study Investigate?
This study aimed to assess the impact of five consecutive days of cold-water immersion (14°C for 15 minutes) following intense hamstring exercises designed to induce muscle damage. Researchers evaluated muscle strength recovery, muscle soreness levels, and biomarkers of muscle damage to determine whether CWI aids in the repair process.
The study is significant because women are often underrepresented in sports science research, leading to uncertainty about whether traditional recovery strategies apply equally to both sexes.
Read the article here…
Coming Up Next...
I won’t spoil the next topic, but I’ll say this:
As a metabolic scientist, I believe one of the biggest challenges we face is mental. The connection between metabolic health and mental health is real. Post-pandemic, we’re seeing the effects of long-term neglect. Self-care isn’t a trend—it’s essential.
Stay tuned.
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Thanks for reading this edition of The Thermalist Journal.
I appreciate you being part of this community. As always—stay curious, stay resilient, and keep showing up for your health.
With respect,
Susanna
PhD, Metabolism Researcher
Soeberg Institute
