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Comparison between cryotherapy and photobiomodulation in muscle recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Meta-analysis of four RCTs (66 healthy adults) comparing isolated post-exercise photobiomodulation with cryotherapy: pooled estimates favored photobiomodulation for strength recovery, DOMS, and muscle-damage biomarkers; oxidative stress and inflammatory markers did not differ.
Pooled effects (PBMT vs cryotherapy)
- Peak torque / strength recovery: SMD 1.73 (95% CI 1.33–2.13; I² = 27%; p < 0.00001)
- DOMS: MD −25.69% (95% CI −34.42 to −16.97; I² = 89%)
- Muscle-damage biomarkers: SMD −1.48 (95% CI −1.93 to −1.03)
- Oxidative stress / inflammation: no clear pooled difference
Interpretation for cold-plunge users
Shows relative performance of two popular recovery tools in small trials—not that cold is harmful. Device access, session timing, and blinding differ across studies; many athletes still prefer cold for convenience and sensory tolerance.
Outcomes
- Effect Size (Cohen's d / SMD)1.73d (Cohen's d)
- Perceived Muscle Soreness-25.69% (Percent Change)