Introduction
Cryotherapy is the application of methods of cold temperature of 0°C to 18.3°C, which may interfere in physical performance and balance, depending on the individual's capacity of maintaining stabilization, targeting movement patterns, controlling posture and joint position.
Objective
To evaluate physical performance, heart rate and static balance with eyes open, in indoor soccer players before and after cold-water immersion of lower limbs.
Methods
Thirty-two male subjects participated in the study, being randomly divided into two groups: (A) control group, immersion in water at 24°C for 10 minutes, (B) intervention group, immersion in cold-water at 10°C for 10 minutes. The volunteers performed evaluation of balance through a baropodometer, then they ran straight and in zigzag for 100 meters, entered in cold-water immersion, ending with a new assessment. We analyzed physical performance throughout the time of race, the heart rate by means of a frequency counter, and balance through a baropodometer and stabilometry in bipedal support with their eyes open.
Results
The physical performance was modified after immersion in cold-water in intragroup and intergroup analysis. The heart rate showed difference when comparing before and after cryotherapy, but no differences compared to control. The balance showed no alteration after cryotherapy nor in comparison with the control group.
Conclusion
Cryotherapy impaired physical performance when the activity was performed immediately thereafter, therefore ice is not recommended when you want performance in sporting activities. Nevertheless, ice had no interference on heart rate and balance of indoor soccer players, which may not have been altered due to the time of immersion.
evaluation; induced hypothermia; athletic performance; postural balance
