Longterm ice-bathing is harmful for the body, say British scientists

Updated Trends: Longterm ice-bathing is harmful for the body, say British scientists

Having an ice bath is a risky affair, if it is followed too often, says new research by scientists of the English Institute of Sport.

Although, it has been a common practice with athletes to have ice baths, after they are over with their workout sessions; besides helping the body temperature normalize, it can also affect the body.

The researchers from the English Institute of Sport have some unfavourable revelations to share. They claim that if ice bathing is a regular practice, then that limits the growth and strengthening of muscle fibres and this is one of the important aims when you are getting trained. Even a cube of ice placed on an injury is harmful, as it prevents the injury from healing.

Physiologist from the institute, Jonathan Leeder says, “Long-term use of the strategy could be detrimental to performance.” The EIS is responsible for providing support to the British Olympic team. Leeder suggests that this should not be a regular practice during the training period.

Rugby players are the worst sufferers, as they are the regular indulgers of ice bath.