Ice on trigger points calms Swimmers' tremors, small study hints
NCT ID NCT07480200
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether applying cold packs to muscle knots (trigger points) in the legs could reduce the shaking that happens after a hard swimming sprint. Thirty-four teen competitive swimmers did a 30-second all-out swim with and without the cold treatment. The goal was to see if the ice could help their legs stay steadier after exercise. It's a small, early study that looks at a simple, drug-free approach to improve post-exercise motor control.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- cold packs applied to muscle trigger points
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, drug-free way to help athletes recover steadiness after intense exercise.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early study with only 34 adolescent swimmers. The effect may be small or not apply to other sports or ages. Cold exposure also carries minor risks like skin irritation.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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34 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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May 2024
- Finished
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Jul 2024
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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10 to 16 years
- Sex
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Male participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * \- Competitive adolescent swimmers * Age between 10 and 16 years * Regular participation in swimming training (at least 3 training sessions per week) * No current musculoskeletal injury affecting the lower limbs * Ability to perform maximal swimming effort * Written informed consent from participants and their legal guardians Exclusion Criteria: * \- Current lower limb injury or pain * Neurological disorders affecting motor control * Contraindications to cold exposure or cryotherapy * Participation in other interventions that could affect neuromuscular performance
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw
Warsaw, Mazovian, Poland