The effect of cold water immersion after high intensity training on lactate clearance rate and aerobic capacity in rugby athletes

This study aimed to determine the effect of CWI after high-intensity training on lactate clearance rate and aerobic capacity. Sixteen male rugby athletes participated in the study: eight in the CWI treatment group and eight in the passive rest control group. Blood lactate levels were measured before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes and 60 minutes after exercise. Aerobic capacity was measured using the MFT test one day before (pre-test) and one day after (post-test). The results showed that measurements at 30 minutes after the end of the exercise showed a greater rate of lactate decline in the treatment group than in the control group. Lactate levels almost reached the level before exercise at 60 minutes after exercise in both the treatment and control groups. While VO2 Max measurements in both groups showed no difference between the pre-test and post-test values.