Cuesta-Vargas (2013) Hydrotherapy as a recovery strategy after exercise a pragmatic controlled trial

Summary: Hydrotherapy as a Recovery Strategy After Exercise

Keyphrase: “Hydrotherapy for Recovery”

Introduction

This study by Cuesta-Vargas et al. aimed to assess the effectiveness of hydrotherapy as a recovery strategy after aerobic exercise, focusing on cardiovascular performance and perceived fatigue. It was a pragmatic controlled, single-blind trial involving 34 recreational sportspeople who were assigned to either a hydrotherapy group (experimental) or a rest group (control) following a spinning session​​.

Methods

Participants engaged in a spinning session, executed according to a standard protocol. After this, the experimental group underwent a hydrotherapy session, while the control group rested in a supine position. The main outcomes measured included blood pressure, heart rate, handgrip strength, vertical jump, self-perceived fatigue, and body temperature​​.

Hydrotherapy Procedure

The hydrotherapy session involved a cycle of Vichy showers and whirlpool baths over a 30-minute period, complemented by aromatherapy using lavender and chamomile oils​​.

Results

The study found significant session*time interactions for diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, self-perceived fatigue, and body temperature, but not for vertical jump, handgrip strength, or systolic blood pressure. Notably, hydrotherapy resulted in recovered heart rate and diastolic blood pressure similar to baseline values after the spinning session. Moreover, it led to decreased self-perceived fatigue​​.

Discussion

Hydrotherapy was effective in assisting cardiovascular recovery and reducing perceived fatigue after a spinning session. However, it did not significantly impact strength performance. The study suggests the potential of hydrotherapy in aiding recovery, particularly in cardiovascular parameters and perceived fatigue, but not necessarily in physical performance​​.

Conclusion

This study indicates that hydrotherapy could be a viable recovery strategy after sports activities like spinning, particularly for improving perceived fatigue and aiding cardiovascular recovery. It contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting hydrotherapy as a beneficial post-exercise recovery tool​​.

Keyphrase: Hydrotherapy for Recovery

Keywords: Hydrotherapy, Cardiovascular Recovery, Perceived Fatigue, Exercise, Spinning