Effects of 2 Intersection Strategies for Physical Recovery in Jiu-Jitsu Athletes.

Purpose: To compare the effect of static stretching (SS) and cold-water immersion (CWI) on strength performance and blood lactate levels of jiu-jitsu athletes. Methods: A total of 21 male Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighters were randomly assigned to SS (9 × 30-s carpal extension), CWI (3 × 3 min at 10°C), or a control group (CG); their maximal handgrip strength, handgrip muscle endurance, dynamic kimono grip strength test, and blood lactate concentration were assessed before and after a simulated Brazilian jiu-jitsu fight and after one of the recovery interventions. Results: There was an interaction (F = 9.075; P =.002) and a time effect (F = 11.792; P =.003) for dynamic kimono grip strength test, showing a decrease in performance for the CG (P =.0001; effect size [ES] = 0.52, moderate) and after SS (P =.006; ES = 0.43, small). There was an interaction (F = 3.592; P =.015) and a time effect (F = 122.631; P =.0001) for blood lactate concentration, showing lower levels after CWI versus CG (P =.028; ES = 0.93, moderate) and after CWI versus SS (P =.042; ES = 0.82, moderate). There was an interaction (F = 9.617; P =.001) for handgrip strength, showing an impairment in performance after SS (P =.001; ES = 0.67, moderate). Conclusion: CWI promoted restoration of muscle strength and endurance and reduction in blood lactate levels after the simulated fight and can thus be used by jiu-jitsu athletes as a recovery strategy between fights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]