Ice baths tested on college athletes: do they really work?
NCT ID NCT06565468
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Aug 05, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study looked at whether taking a 10-minute cold water bath (around 55°F) after training helps NCAA Division I athletes recover and perform better. 75 volleyball, football, and cross country athletes wore a WHOOP device to track sleep, heart rate, and other recovery signs. They also did jump and strength tests. The goal was to see if cold water immersion improves recovery and performance compared to no treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- cold water immersion
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide a simple, drug-free way for athletes to recover faster and improve performance after training.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study with no phase designation, so results may not apply to all athletes or sports. The benefits may be minimal or not significant.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
UCLA Orthopedics
Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States
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