Comparative Efficacy of Vibration foam Rolling and Cold Water Immersion in Amateur Basketball Players after a Simulated Load of Basketball Game

Abstract

To compare the efficacy of different recovery strategies (sitting; cold water immersion, CWI; vibration foam rolling, VFR) on the lower extremities of amateur basketball players after the simulated load of a basketball game, we assessed the power, agility, and dynamic balance before and after interventions. Ten amateur basketball players alternately underwent 12 min of sitting, 12 min of CWI at 5 °C, and 12 min of VFR. The power, agility, and dynamic balance were measured immediately post-warm-up, immediately post-game, immediately post-intervention, 1 h after interventions, and 24 h after interventions. To simulate the load of a basketball game, specific movements were designed and implemented. Jump height was measured using a Kistler force plate. Reaction time and dynamic balance score were assessed using the Pavigym agility response system and the Y balance test, respectively. The data were analyzed with a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the vertical jump height significantly decreased after the CWI intervention compared to the CON and VFR groups (p p = 0.007; p p p = 0.005). Additionally, reaction times significantly increased immediately after the CWI intervention (p = 0.004) but showed further recovery at 24 h compared to the CON group (p p = 0.021), with further improvement at 24 h (p < 0.001). CWI initially showed negative effects, but over time, its recovery effect was superior and more long-lasting. VFR had the best immediate effect on lower limb recovery after the game.

Keywords

• amateur basketball player
• post-game recovery
• cold water immersion
• vibration foam rolling
• sports biomechanics