Whole-body cryotherapy accelerates isometric muscle recovery in motocross riders following simulated motocross heats

Motocross (Mx) is the off-road mechanical sport most commonly practiced around the world. Riders practice training and competitions on motorcycles. It requires some specific physical and cognitive abilities. Mx racing is composed of successive heats. Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) appears to be an interesting way to recover faster between the successive heats which composes each race. The aim of this study is to determine whether WBC can be used between Mx heats to accelerate rider's muscular recovery. Eighteen riders performed a series of physical tests (isometric, concentric, and maximal strength, reaction time, and recovery perception); try to mimic Mx competition using a 25 minutes simulated Mx heat followed by a recovery condition (CONT or WBC); and repeated physical tests. WBC had better recovery in isometric strength for up/low limbs. CONT had better recovery in explosive strength for low limb. No difference in maximal strength or reaction time between the before exercise, the after exercise, and after recovery. The WBC group had a better recovery perception after recovery than the CONT group. WBC exposure seems to accelerate isometric muscle recovery after a simulated motocross exercise.