Verducci, F. M. (2001). Interval cryotherapy and fatigue in university baseball pitchers. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 72, 280-287.

Division II baseball pitchers (N = 6) served as Ss. Between innings, the pitching arm was subjected to three minutes of icing. In a control condition, the arm was wrapped in towels (mild warming). In both circumstances, the elbow and arm rested on a platform.

The icing condition delayed the onset of fatigue and generally increased velocity, with no differences in accuracy. Icing also reduced next day soreness. It is possible that the amount of icing will need to be modified by such variables as the number of pitches thrown, ambient temperature, muscle size, and individual preferences.

Implication. Between-innings icing improves pitching characteristics.

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