Raw data of the Bandiera et al. 2026 study.

This study aimed to compare the effects of cold (CWI) versus hot (HWI) water immersion on neuromuscular function, sprinting force production, and perceptual responses during a 72-hour recovery period following a simulated football match. Twenty-two active males completed a simulated football game and underwent either CWI or HWI immediately post-exercise, and again at 24 h and 48 h. Isometric maximal voluntary contraction (IMVC) of the quadriceps, as well as central and peripheral components of neuromuscular fatigue (via femoral nerve electrical stimulation), were assessed before the simulated match and at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post-exercise. Maximal power output and its force-velocity components were evaluated during repeated sprints, and perceptual responses were collected through a questionnaire at the same time points. For both groups, a significant main effect of time was observed for peripheral fatigue, as indicated by a 7.0% average decrease in IMVC (P<0.01). In contrast, no significant effect of time was found for central fatigue (P=0.88). Sprinting power output decreased by 8.9% at 24 h (main effect of time, P<0.001), and delayed onset muscle soreness increased significantly at 24 h and 48 h (main effect of time, P<0.001). No significant differences were found between CWI and HWI for any of these variables during recovery. These findings suggest that HWI may represent a practical and effective alternative to CWI, being at least as efficient in restoring neuromuscular function, sprinting force production, and perceptual responses following a simulated football game.