Objective
To compare the immediate recovery effects of cold compression (CC) and ischemic preconditioning with ice (IPCice) on muscle recovery, this study was conducted.
Methods
Athletes were randomly assigned to CC (n=12), IPCice (n=12), or control (n=12) groups. All participants completed a fatigue-inducing jump rope protocol targeting the gastrocnemius prior to recovery interventions. CC involved 20 minutes of alternating pressure (25–75 mmHg) on the gastrocnemius muscles. IPCice involved thigh cuffs inflated to 200 mmHg (2 minutes on/off cycles for 20 minutes) with manual ice application. Thirty-six amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. Muscle pain, congestion, strength, creatine kinase, muscle stiffness, perfusion, pressure pain threshold, reactive strength index, and total quality recovery were assessed at rest, post-exercise, post-treatment, and 48 hours later.
Results
Post-treatment, CC significantly improved perfusion (p<0.001) and reduced muscle soreness in both legs compared to IPCice and control (p≤0.02). CC also resulted in significantly higher PPT values (p≤0.006). Benefits on some variables remained at 48 hours.
Conclusion
Both modalities enhanced recovery following fatiguing exercise; however, CC demonstrated superior effectiveness in attenuating fatigue-related impairments, particularly in perfusion, soreness, and muscle function, highlighting its practical advantage over IPCice for MMA athletes.

Objective
To compare the Hong (GH) and sustained insertion (GS) dry needling methods in patients with myofascial neck pain, this experimental study was conducted.
Methods
A randomized controlled trial included 30 participants, assigned to either the GH (n=15) or GS (n=15) group. Each group received treatment on either the right or left side, with one side receiving experimental DN and the other receiving control (sham) DN. The GS method involved a single needle insertion per myofascial trigger point for one minute, while the GH method used multiple rapid needle insertions over two minutes without needle retention. Measurements were taken before therapy, 5 minutes post-DN session (post-5min), 24 hours post-session (post-24h), and 7 days post-session (post-7d). Muscle tension (MT) and muscle stiffness (MS) were measured with a myotonometer, pressure pain threshold (PPT) with an algometer, maximum isometric strength (Fmax) with a handheld dynamometer, and transcutaneous perfusion (PU) with laser Doppler flowmetry. Power Doppler Score (PDS) and minor adverse events were also recorded.
Results
Results showed that GH led to significantly higher MT and MS values at post-24h and post-7d (p<0.001). In contrast, GS showed greater PPT and Fmax at post-5min, post-24h, and post-7d (p<0.001). Additionally, GH exhibited higher PU values at post-5min and post-7d (p<0.001), while GS showed higher PDS values at post-5min and post-24h (p<0.001).
Conclusion
The GH method resulted in less favorable outcomes in terms of MT and MS, while the GS method showed superior improvements in pain relief and functional recovery.

Citations

• Clinical impact and relevance of dry needling site location in the management of chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial
  Fernando Piña-Pozo, Hermann Fricke-Comellas, Ángel Oliva Pascual-Vaca, Félix Paredes-López, Ana Isabel Hueso-Pérez, Alberto Marcos Heredia-Rizo
  Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy.2025; : 1.     CrossRef