Effects of Kinesiology Taping versus Cold Water Immersion on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness and Functional Recovery in Elite Swimmers Post-Intense Training: Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Elite swimmers routinely undergo high-intensity training that can induce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), muscle discomfort, and transient functional impairment, potentially affecting subsequent training performance. Kinesio Taping (KT) and Cold Water Immersion (CWI) are widely used recovery strategies, but comparative evidence in elite swimmers remains limited. Objective: To compare the effects of KT and CWI on DOMS and functional recovery following intensive swimming training. Methodology: This randomized controlled trial included 40 elite swimmers allocated equally to KT (n=20) and CWI (n=20) groups. Sample size was determined a priori using G*Power version 3.1.9.7. DOMS and functional recovery were assessed before and after the assigned recovery intervention. Between-group differences in change scores were analyzed using independent-samples t-tests, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: DOMS decreased by 1.90±0.53 points in the KT group and 2.63±0.42 points in the CWI group, with a significant between-group difference (t=4.82, p<0.001). Functional recovery improved by 13.93±3.31 points with KT and 16.32±3.02 points with CWI, with a significant between-group difference (t=-2.39, p=0.022). Thus, CWI produced greater improvements in both outcomes than KT. Conclusion: Both KT and CWI were associated with improved DOMS and functional recovery following intensive swimming training; however, CWI demonstrated significantly greater improvements in both outcomes among these elite swimmers. CWI may therefore provide greater short-term recovery benefits after demanding swimming sessions, whereas KT may serve as an alternative recovery strategy when ease of application and accessibility are important.