Effects on Contrast Bath Following Repeated Sprint Cycling on Functional Performance and Recovery in Netball Athletes

Shamsul Bahrin, Hannah Iemann (2024) Effects on Contrast Bath Following Repeated Sprint Cycling on Functional Performance and Recovery in Netball Athletes. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

In netball, athletes face strenuous training routines, participating in multiple daily sessions and competitive events, often in tournament formats. These demands create substantial stress for the athletes. To navigate their weekly schedules effectively, athletes must strike a balance between training, competing, and recovering to prepare for the next cycle. To address these challenges, training programs are now integrating effective recovery strategies, with hydrotherapy being a preferred choice for many sports teams to support recuperation after both competitive matches and training sessions. The purpose of this study was to see the effectiveness of contrast bath (CWT) on functional performance and recovery in netball athletes. A total of 20 netball athletes were randomly assigned to contrast bath (CWT) group (EG, n = 8; age = 28.8 ± 5.62 years; weight = 72.1 ± 14.48 kg), and passive recovery group (CG, n=12; age: 21.2 ± 1.32 years; weight = 76.8 ± 15.4 kg; height = 172.5 ± 5.62 cm). Pre-test and post-test measurements included countermovement jump, modified sit and reach test (flexibility; cm), mid-thigh girth (distinguish swelling; cm), and assessing perceptual (fatigue) using the rate of perceived exertion scale (RPE). The measurements were taken after the repeated sprint cycling and again after the intervention (CWT and passive recovery). Statistical analysis, between and within groups was conducted. No significant measures were identified between groups for all the parameters (p > .05). However, there were significant improvement identified within groups for modified sit and reach, mid-thigh girth and RPE (p < .05). Subsequently, the study suggests that the acute effects of CWT may have limitations and pronounced benefits could evidently come from long-term of repeated applications of CWT.