Latest news with #musclerecovery
WIRED
3 days ago
- Health
- WIRED
This Palm-Cooling Device Helps You Recharge During Workouts
When I ran track in college (10 years ago, sigh), my team's physical therapists were always pushing us to utilize any and all recovery tools, no matter how ridiculous they seemed to us college kids. We'd leave practice with protein shakes in each hand, our shins bulging with ice bags that were plastic-wrapped to our legs as we waddled on our way to the dining hall. We dutifully visited the training room three times a day to take an ice bath or get an ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical muscle stimulation, or the simultaneously loved and dreaded Graston massage. Foam rolling and mini-band work were staples. Ever since then, I've been fascinated by how trainers and coaches can use recovery methods to make people better athletes, or simply bounce back from marathon training faster. When the Nice Rocc, a new handheld palm-cooling device that claims to improve athletic performance by rapidly speeding up muscle recovery, came onto my radar, I was intrigued. Even better, the Rocc is manufactured in Boulder, Colorado, close to where I live in Denver. I got to drop by the Nice headquarters myself to see how this thing is made. Super Fast Cooling Photograph: Kristin Canning Palm-cooling, also called palmar cooling or vasocooling, uses the glabrous, or hairless, skin that humans have on the palms of their hands and the soles of their feet. This skin contains special blood vessels called arteriovenous anastomoses that contract quickly and widely, making them a great area to target if you want to cool core temperature. That aids in muscle recovery and helps athletes go harder for longer. When you hold a palm-cooling device, it sucks heat from the body and sends cooled blood back into the circulatory system, dropping core body temperature fast. Athletes can take advantage of these tools during rest periods in games or between reps in practice. These devices are even being used to help firefighters and military personnel fight heat stress. As a performance tool, palm cooling is research-backed. Today, professional coaches and players in the NBA, NHL, MLB, and NFL, as well as tennis, soccer, and Olympic athletes, are using these products to get an edge in games and during training. Nice has already established itself as an iceless recovery-tool maker with the Nice1, a portable cooling and compression device, but the Rocc is its first foray into cooling for performance instead of injury recovery. It's a dense, rounded cylinder that weighs 5.3 pounds, but it has several factors that set it apart from other options on the market. While most palm-cooling devices, like the CoolMitt, require some setup (usually in the form of adding cold packs or water to the vessel), the Rocc utilizes solid-state electronic cooling, similar to that found in mini fridges. Small squares inside the machine contain two different conductor metals that meet at a junction. Sending electricity to the junction triggers the Peltier effect, causing the outward side of the squares to feel cool, white the internal side of the squares heats up. (This heat is released through fans in the middle of the Rocc.) All this means that you only have to make sure the Rocc is charged before you can use it. It can run for two hours on a single charge. Once you turn it on, it only takes about two minutes for it to reach the proper cooling temperature (50-60 degrees Fahrenheit). Dropping down to a lower temp causes those glabrous skin blood vessels to constrict, sending your cooled blood on its way through your body. Lights on the device let you know when it's ready to go and the charge status. Pushing It Nice recommends the Rocc for anyone looking to amp up their training or competition performance, but you're supposed to hold onto it for at least two minutes to get the best results. (A haptic timer vibrates every thirty seconds to help you keep track.)
Sustainability Times
13-05-2025
- Health
- Sustainability Times
Cold Plunges Are a Scam for Women and Science Just Dropped the Mic on This Freezing Hot Fitness Fad
IN A NUTSHELL ❄️ Cold plunges are popular for muscle recovery, but a Swiss study shows no significant benefits for women. are popular for muscle recovery, but a Swiss study shows no significant benefits for women. 🩺 Experts warn about potential risks of cold exposure, especially for individuals with heart and respiratory conditions. warn about potential risks of cold exposure, especially for individuals with heart and respiratory conditions. 🔬 The study highlights the gender gap in sports science, urging for more inclusive and representative research. in sports science, urging for more inclusive and representative research. 💡 Alternative recovery methods like sleep, hydration, and light activity may be safer and more effective. The allure of cold plunges has captivated fitness enthusiasts and wellness influencers alike, promoting the idea that submerging oneself in icy water can significantly aid muscle recovery. The global cold plunge tub market reached an astounding $318.63 million in 2023, underscoring its widespread popularity. Yet, a new study from Switzerland challenges these benefits for women. Could it be that the icy hype lacks substance for half the population? No Meaningful Edge in Recovery The Swiss study took a deep dive into the effects of cold and hot water immersion on muscle recovery in women. Participants were put through a rigorous workout involving multiple sets of drop-jumps designed to induce muscle damage. Post-exercise, they were divided into three groups: cold-water immersion, hot-water immersion, and no immersion. Submerging up to the sternum, participants in the plunge groups underwent this process immediately after exercising and once more two hours later. Interestingly, while physiological changes such as body temperature variations and muscle oxygenation were noted, these did not translate into improved recovery metrics. Key indicators like soreness, knee extensor swelling, creatine kinase levels, and isometric muscle strength were monitored at intervals following the workout. Results showed no significant differences across the groups, questioning the effectiveness of these popular recovery methods. Discover the Top Nutrient-Rich Foods that Can Assist in Your Weight Loss Journey Experts Weigh In on Risks and Benefits Dr. Farah Ahmad from The London General Practice provided insights into the broader implications of cold plunges. While potential benefits such as activating brown adipose tissue and improving insulin sensitivity were acknowledged, the risks could not be overlooked. She highlighted the dangers posed to individuals with pre-existing conditions, noting that sudden cold exposure can lead to rapid heart rate increases and elevated blood pressure, potentially triggering dangerous cardiac events. Moreover, the sudden shock of cold water might cause hyperventilation, a significant risk for those with respiratory ailments like asthma. Individuals with sensitive skin could also experience adverse reactions. These insights underscore the need for caution and the importance of tailor-fit recovery strategies. « This brewing habit could silently hurt you »: these common coffee preparation methods directly linked to increased heart disease risk Study Highlights Gender Gap in Sports Science The Swiss trial stands out for focusing specifically on women, a demographic often overlooked in sports science. Historically, males have dominated studies on training and recovery, leading to a skewed understanding of how these processes work across genders. This study emphasizes the necessity for more inclusive research that considers sex-specific physiological responses and real-world workout contexts. The researchers advocate for future studies that better represent the female population and address the unique needs and responses women might have to recovery protocols. Such research is crucial for developing effective, gender-sensitive recovery strategies in sports and fitness. 'China Can See the Invisible': Beijing Unveils Handheld Tech That Locates U.S. Stealth Aircraft With Pinpoint Accuracy Smarter Ways to Recover In light of the study's findings, alternative recovery methods are gaining attention. Dr. Ravina Bhanot of Zonas Fertility advises a holistic approach focusing on fundamental recovery pillars. She emphasizes the importance of quality sleep, adequate hydration, and balanced nutrition, particularly protein intake, to support muscle repair and growth. Incorporating light activities like walking or yoga, along with occasional massages or heat therapy, can also enhance recovery without the potential risks associated with cold plunges. This comprehensive approach aligns more closely with sustainable wellness practices, offering a safer and potentially more effective path to recovery. As the conversation around cold plunges and their efficacy continues, one must consider whether the icy allure is truly beneficial or merely a trend. With research unveiling new insights, the question remains: How will future studies shape our understanding of effective recovery strategies for both men and women? Did you like it? 4.5/5 (21)
