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Contrast showers is a form of hydrotherapy using water in a shower, alternating the temperatures between hot and cold.
Some believe that this is a method of detoxing, improving the circulatory system and the immune system. It is also used as a method for recovery after strenuous exercise, such as cycling, rugby, hockey, basketball, football or weight lifting. Whilst it may be believed that contrast showers reduce the levels of lactic acid in muscles, thereby reducing or avoiding muscle soreness. Recent scientific evidence maintains that lactic acid buildup is correlated with, but not the cause of metabolic acidosis.
Contrast showers are also occasionally used in hazing, initiation rituals and to self-inflict pain.
Various cycles can be used, usually ending with a cold cycle. Some sources suggest an increase in the temperature difference over the cycles.
- 3 minutes hot, 1 minute cold
- 2 minutes hot, 1 minute cold
- 1 minute hot, 1 minute cold
See also
References
- R. Robergs, F. Ghiasvand, D. Parker (2004). "Biochemistry of exercise-induced metabolic acidosis". Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 287 (3): R502–16. doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00114.2004. PMID 15308499.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
External links
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