Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare two cold water immersion (CWI) protocols, continuous and fractionated, to optimize the recovery of Handball players after on recovery from exercise resulting in exercise-induced muscle damage. Material: Ten male Handball players (age: 15 ± 1.4 years, mass index: 67.2 ± 5.1 kg, height: 176.6 ± 7.30) voluntarily participated in the study. After three 90-minute training sessions (average heart rate 160 ± 15.81, 156 ± 5.53 and 156 ± 12.24 bpm) per week, participants were divided into 03 groups. The first experimental group (GE1) in continuous immersion (CWIC) of (12 minutes, 12± 0.4° C), a second experimental group (GE2) in fractional immersion (CWIF) of (4 x 2 min at 12 ± 0.4° C + 1 min out of water) and a control group (GC) in passive recovery. Body mass indices (BMI), countermovement (Countermovement jump) and muscle pain (Intensity of pain in the thighs) were measured. Results : The results concerning the percentage differences in the variation of the CMJ occurred respectively at 24h (Z = 12.62, p = 0.004) and 48h (Z = 16.22, p 0.001) compared to the control group. In addition, the results for muscle volume did not report any significant interaction (F (5.64) = 3.42, p = 0.078). The results of both protocols showed their effectiveness in reducing pain intensity by 24 and 48 hours after intense training (F (3.54) = 2.91, p = 0.016, p2 = 0.24). Conclusion: In conclusion, continuous and fractionated cold water immersion is beneficial for neuromuscular recovery 24 hours after intense exercise. The results also demonstrate a rapid recovery of handball players from their physical potential required in high level competitions.
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