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Study note

Effect of post-exercise hydrotherapy water temperature on subsequent exhaustive running performance in normothermic conditions.

PMID 23246445 (2013): cold water immersion, recovery — Recovery speed (study note for endurance athletes).

Updated Jul 22, 2026

Read the study note

Study note • PMID 23246445

Effect of post-exercise hydrotherapy water temperature on subsequent exhaustive running performance in normothermic conditions.

Journal of science and medicine in sport2013 • DOI 10.1016/j.jsams.2012.11.884

How to use this page

This note summarizes one study record. Check the participants, methods, results, and limitations before applying it to training.

  • Design signal: randomized trial.
  • Population relevance: athlete/trained context.
  • Consistency: single-study evidence.
  • Practical recommendation depends on tolerance, context, and whether it protects training consistency.

ELI5

In plain language

Despite the widespread use of cold water immersion (CWI) in normothermic conditions, little data is available on its effect on subsequent endurance performance. (randomized trial; trained participants).

The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Recovery speed under the tested conditions. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.

Takeaways

What the abstract suggests

  • Study question: Despite the widespread use of cold water immersion (CWI) in normothermic conditions, little data is available on its effect on subsequent endurance performance.
  • The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Recovery speed under the tested conditions.
  • Population: trained participants.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 15min.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: cold water immersion, recovery (vs comparison group).
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 15min.
  • Outcomes: Recovery speed.
  • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.

Fit

Who it may help, and who should be cautious

Who it helps

  • Athletes similar to the study population (trained participants) working on recovery.
  • Athletes who can measure Recovery speed with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.

Who should be cautious

  • If you have symptoms or conditions that make the intervention risky, get professional guidance.
  • If you’re near race day and can’t safely test, defer the experiment.

Methods

What the study actually did

  • Design: randomized trial.
  • Population: trained participants.
  • Comparator: comparison group.
  • Outcomes measured: Recovery speed.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 15min.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 23246445 (2013) — Journal of science and medicine in sport.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

Qualitative analyses showed a 95% and 89% likely beneficial effect of CWI-8 and CWI-15 during Ex2 compared with CON, respectively.

Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.

Limits

Limitations and bias

  • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
  • Single studies often don’t generalize to your event, history, and training load; treat results as a starting point.
  • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
  • This is performance information, not medical advice.

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Sources