No peak force or mood improvement detected with hot or cold baths after running
Immersion changed selected physiological measures after running, while perceptual responses during brief submaximal runs showed no reported improvement.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Cold and hot immersion produced different changes in heart-related measurements, oxygen use and muscle activation after running. The abstract reports no improvement in peak knee-extensor force, perceptual responses during brief submaximal runs, or mood disturbance. Changes in these physiological measurements alone do not establish better functional recovery or improved running performance.
The abstract does not describe the placebo, immersion length or participant characteristics. It also gives no effect sizes for the physiological changes, limiting judgments about their practical importance.
What researchers found
Knee-extensor voluntary or involuntary peak force
Cold- and hot-water immersion versus placebo during recovery assessments through 24 hours after running.
Responses differed by protocol
Cold immersion increased a measure of heart-rate regulation, while hot immersion lowered oxygen use during brief submaximal runs. Greater muscle activation was reported with hot water after continuous running and cold water after intervals.
What was actually tested
Researchers measured contractions, jumps, mood and responses to brief runs at several points after exercise. These assessments describe particular components of recovery; the abstract does not show improved running performance from either immersion approach.
The original publication
Hot- and Cold-Water Immersion Do Not Alter Performance or Perceived Fatigability but Improve Muscle Activation, Cardiac Vagal Modulation, and Cardiorespiratory Recovery After Distinct Running Protocols.
Dutra YM, Mendonça PT, Cheng AJ et al.
Scand J Med Sci Sports · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41452289
- Record checked
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