The Effects of Aquatic Therapy and Cold Water Immersion in Reducing DOMS

Chong, Francis Chan Shak (2020) The Effects of Aquatic Therapy and Cold Water Immersion in Reducing DOMS. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Delay Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is caused by strenuous eccentric exercise and contraction which resulting muscle damage due to loss of excitation and contraction coupling reaction. Water post exercise recovery treatment tend to alleviate the severity of DOMS. This research aim to compare the effects of aquatic therapy and cold water immersion in reducing DOMS. 10 sedentary people (Age: 20.9 ± 0.74 years; Weight: 71.2 ± 10.56 kg; Height: 170.1 ± 6.05 cm; Exercise frequency: 1.4 ± 0.52 days) was recruited in randomized three way crossover design into Aquatic Therapy (AT) group, Cold Water Immersion (CWI) group and control group with two weeks of wash out period in between. Subjects were required to undergo exercise induced muscle damage protocol to cause DOMS. Three test consists of pre-test, mid test and post-test in measuring range of motion (ROM), thigh circumference, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), 1 repetition maximum (1RM), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Rate of Perceived Pain scale (RPP). AT and CWI both groups have significant results in MVIC, VAS and RPP (P<0.05) in post exercise recovery. While AT group have significant results in 1 RM in post exercise recovery (P<0.05). AT and CWI both have shown significant effects in reducing DOMS. However, Further studies with biochemical markers such as blood lactate and creatine kinase are needed to find better intervention in water recovery.