Chilling Out Between Rugby Drills: How Cold Water Affects Performance

Rugby players often push their bodies to the limit, especially in hot conditions. A recent study looked at how cold-water immersion (CWI) between two intense rugby drills affects performance, body responses, and how players feel. Ten male athletes took part in two trials. Each trial involved two 14-minute simulated rugby drills with a 45-minute break in between. During this break, players either sat in an ice bath (CWI) or a normal room (CONT) for 15 minutes. After the first drill, players who sat in the ice bath had lower skin temperatures during the recovery period. During the second drill, these players had lower core temperatures, felt less exertion, and had a better sense of thermal comfort. However, there were some downsides. Players who used CWI had lower vertical jump heights and slower 15-meter sprint times during the second drill. While their jogging efforts remained the same, their sprint times were slower, and they covered more distance in bounding compared to those who didn't use CWI. The study suggests that while CWI can help reduce thermal stress and keep players comfortable, it might not be the best choice for maintaining high-intensity performance right after recovery. It's a trade-off between comfort and performance.