Cold-water immersion is a common recovery tool, as it helps reduce inflammation and increases toxin clear-out. But, until now, there’s been very little research into the effect of cooling on body type.
Australian recovery expert Dr Shona Halson and her team took 27 active males and separated them into three groups: low mass and low fat; high mass and low fat; and high mass and high fat. Measurements were taken pre- and post-trial, including core and skin temperature, followed by a 5min cycle warm-up. The subjects continued to pedal until skin temperature reached 38.5°C, and were then immersed in 15°C water for 15mins.
The results showed that the subjects with lower body fat and relatively low surface area cooled faster, enjoying the physiological benefits of cold-water immersion, than those with…
