WBC-R2: Whole-Body Cryotherapy non-inferior to cold-water immersion for DOMS and jump performance — Grade B Moderate
Moderate evidence· Points toward a benefit
For DOMS and jump performance, Whole-Body Cryotherapy is similarly effective to cold-water immersion (13 RCTs, n=214); neither clearly superior — WBC preferred when immersion is impractical.
Studied in Athletes and active adultsclinical studies
How strong the finding is
Systematic review & meta-analysis, 13 RCTs, n=214 (2024–2025). Source: PMC12851776. Dossier claim id WBC-R2.
How it may work
Both cold modalities trigger vasoconstriction and analgesia; dry cold-air exposure achieves comparable recovery outcomes to immersion.
What complicates this
Head-to-head equivalence; some protocols favor CWI at earlier timepoints.
Source
