Facts for Athletes on Sports Injury Icing

The Truth About Icing & Recovery

Something shocking is underway across sports medicine circles. The habitual practice of icing and using the RICE protocol to accelerate healing and promote recovery is being questioned as ineffective or potentially damaging.

Introduction

We were skeptics at first too. After all, how could something so universally accepted and practiced be so wrong? We looked at the origins of icing and RICE, reviewed the principles of inflammation and recovery, and most importantly learned from the vast amount of published studies on the topic. Not to say that icing (cryotherapy) doesn’t have a purpose, but after reviewing the research it became apparent that icing damaged tissue from injury or exercise does nothing to improve recovery and likely slows and delays the healing process. So now the question is, where do we go from here?

Sports Injury Icing

A Paradigm Shift in Sports Medicine Icing

Many are familiar with Dr. Gabe Mirkin’s simple advice for treating acute sports injuries, RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). In fact, most individuals have been told to “put ice on it” in some capacity or another for as long as they can remember. Now, almost forty years after its original publication, Dr. Mirkin has caught the sports medicine world by storm with his 2014 retraction. “Almost forty years ago, I coined the term RICE as the treatment for acute sports injuries. Subsequent research shows that rest and ice can actually delay recovery. Mild movements help tissue to heal and the application of cold suppresses the immune responses that start and hasten recovery.”1

The rapid spread of ice being used in therapy centers may be attributed to the fact that it is easy to use, readily available, inexpensive, and can be applied by anyone. Now, athletes, trainers, and clinicians are simply realizing that delaying the inflammatory (healing) process and reducing blood flow is not effective for accelerating recovery. We know far more about the role of inflammatory cells in healing now than we did in 1978. The use of ice appears to be more habitual than based on scientific evidence.

How the Body Heals

To get to the root of the debate over icing’s role in healing and recovery from overexertion, injury, or surgery, we have to understand the body’s natural responses to tissue damage. There are essentially three phases in the healing process: inflammation, repair, and remodeling.2

Inflammation: the cellular and vascular response to injury. This phase begins with hemostasis (shutting blood flow off to damaged tissue). Then, surrounding vessels dilate so that the supplies necessary for repair can be transported into the area.

Repair: replacement of necrotic or damaged tissue by new cells and matrix. Fibroplasia, the formation of collagen, and angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, are the two processes that occur during this phase to rebuild the area.3

Remodel: reshaping and reorganizing of the repaired tissue. A portion of the initial collagen that was sent to the damaged area is replaced by new collagen with greater tensile strength. The tensile strength of the tissue improves due to the formation of intra and extra-molecular cross-linkages between the collagen fibers.4

When to Grab the Ice

Of course, icing isn’t all bad. There are a time and a place when ice can and should be used. Ice can provide temporary pain relief. Putting some ice on your child’s bump or bruise for a few minutes likely won’t harm healing and will give them some needed comfort. But, using it for extended periods of time or repeatedly on an injured/damaged area will (e.g., a runner using ice on their knees after every run, or on and off applications for hours).
Ice can be used to regulate core body temperature. If overexertion, or something else, causes an unsafe rise in body temperature, ice may be an appropriate and quick way to help bring down core body temperature.
Ice can be used to purposefully delay inflammation (healing) and reduce blood flow.
A common example can be seen when boxers apply cold metal compresses around the eyes to delay the inflammatory process and make it through to the end of a fight.
Whether you should choose to apply ice or not depends on what you want to accomplish. If the goal is to recover or heal quickly, then you may want to stay away from the ice. However, if your goal is to temporarily mask pain signals or do anything else listed above, then grab the ice.

To summarize, the process of healing begins with the release of inflammatory mediators and ends when the remodeling of the repair tissue reaches a homeostatic state.5

The Reality of Inflammation

The biggest proponents for cryotherapy (icing) tend to justify its use in reducing inflammation. But inflammation is crucial to the body’s natural healing process and ultimately leads to the repair of damaged tissue. This has left many questioning why we would want to slow down or interfere with the very complex process by which our body is able to naturally respond to damage. The inflammatory process is so crucial in fact that the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has stated “Inflammation can occur without healing, but healing cannot occur without inflammation.”6
A common misconception about this complex biological process is that inflammation and swelling are synonymous. They are not. Our bodies need inflammation to occur. Without the necessary nutrients going to the damaged area, we would never heal. However, our bodies do not need swelling. So, our focus should not be on preventing inflammation, but rather on speeding up the removal of excess waste.

Inflammation: As described, this is the body’s necessary initial response to tissue damage. Inflammation sends all of the necessary supplies to the damaged area that are needed for repair and
remodeling.

Swelling: the excess fluid and waste that remains in the area after inflammation takes place. Swelling is generally due to inadequate lymphatic drainage of the leftover supplies that were delivered to the area during the inflammatory process, and the waste produced during the damage. When the body can’t get rid of the congestion at a fast enough rate, it builds up, resulting in swelling.

What the Research and Experts Have to Say

We provide evidence that this cooling procedure failed to improve long-term recovery of muscle performance.
Effects of Air-Pulsed Cryotherapy on Neuromuscular Recovery Subsequent to Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage.

The American Journal of Sports Medicine

There was evidence from six studies that cooling adversely affected speed, power, and agility-based running tasks…”

Should Athletes Return to Sport After Applying Ice?

A Systemic Review of the Effect of Local Cooling on Functional Performance Sports Medicine. Topical cooling, a commonly used clinical intervention, appears to not improve but rather delay recovery from eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage.

Topical Cooling (Icing) Delays Recovery From Eccentric Exercise-Induces Muscle Damage
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

It needs to be stressed that there is not a single randomized, clinical trial to validate the effectiveness of the RICE principle in the treatment of soft tissue injury.

Regeneration of Injured Skeletal Muscle After the Injury, Muscles LigamentsTendons Journal
The protocol of ice-water immersion used in this study was ineffective in minimizing markers of DOMS in untrained individuals. This study challenges the wide use of this intervention as a recovery strategy by athletes.

Ice-Water Immersion and Delayed Onset, Muscle Soreness- A Randomized Controlled Trial
British Journal of Sports Medicine
The key findings were that cold water immersion (1) substantially attenuated long-term gains in muscle mass and strength, and (2) delayed and/or suppressed the activity of satellite cells and kinases in the mTOR pathway during recovery from strength exercise.

Post-Exercise Cold Water Immersion Attenuates Acute Anabolic Signaling and Longterm Adaptations in Muscle to Strength Training Journal of Physiology.

The widespread use of icing as a treatment for injuries and overexertion could have developed for a number of reasons, including the ease of access to a cheap, viable remedy, as well as immediate numbing relief. However, the popularity of icing is surprising, especially considering the lack of scientific evidence to support its efficacy. After over forty years of widespread use, there has been no irrefutable published evidence that the use of ice improves the recovery process. In fact, many studies have concluded the exact opposite. In 2012, the British Journal of Sports Medicine published a review of 22 earlier studies on cryotherapy and concluded that “ice is commonly used after acute muscle strains, but there are no clinical studies of its effectiveness.”7 The Journal of Emergency Medicine also concluded that “there is insufficient evidence to suggest that cryotherapy (icing) improves clinical outcomes.”8
A May 2013 study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research reported that “topical cooling, a commonly used clinical intervention appears to not improve but rather delay recovery from eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage.”9

Slowing down your body’s metabolic process is counterintuitive to accelerating recovery, and the prolonged application of ice can have some pretty negative effects. “When ice is applied to a body part for a prolonged period, nearby lymphatic vessels begin to dramatically increase their permeability. As lymphatic permeability is enhanced, large amounts of fluid begin to pour from the lymphatics ‘in the wrong direction’ (into the injured area), increasing the amount of local swelling and pressure, and potentially contributing to greater pain.”10

A recent study released even states that “regular post-exercise cold application to muscles might attenuate muscular and vascular adaptations to resistance training.”11 In other words, your body’s natural recovery response at a normal rate is far more effective than the slowed-down effects associated with icing.

Do No Harm

For the purpose of healing and recovery, it appears ice does more harm than good. In fact, if ice were a regulated over-the-counter medical product, it would likely never get cleared for use by the FDA. Why? In order to garner approval for such use, manufacturers are required to pass tests for safety and effectiveness. Ice would fail the effectiveness test, as there are no peer-reviewed studies to prove it really does work. Research studies have also revealed the potentially harmful side effects icing can cause for athletes. “Often, ice is used as a short-term treatment to help injured athletes get back in the game. The cooling may help decrease pain, but it also interferes with the athlete’s strength, speed, endurance, and coordination.”12 Another group of researchers found similar results; they showed that icing was effective in numbing muscle soreness, but observed—for up to 15 minutes after ice treatment—significantly reduced muscle strength, power, and fine motor coordination. Because ice reduces nerve conductivity velocity, icing slows nerve impulses and directly changes the function of the muscles and tendons. Athletes were not able to jump as high, sprint as fast, or throw as well immediately following 20 minutes of ice treatment.13 In another recent study, athletes were told to exercise so intensely that they developed severe muscle damage that caused extensive muscle soreness. Although cooling delayed swelling, it did not hasten recovery from this muscle damage.14

So it would seem ice does nothing to increase the rate at which the body heals. It postpones inflammation from occurring, but once the ice is removed, the body goes back to sending the inflammation to the area. Ice simply delays the natural process for some time. “Cooling may help decrease pain, but it also interferes with the athlete’s strength, speed, endurance, and coordination”

Whole Body Cryotherapy, WBC

The latest trend related to ice is Whole-Body Cryotherapy (WBC). Those who sell and use WBC machines claim that WBC can improve blood circulation, relieve pain, speed recovery, reduce muscle soreness, and help medical conditions such as osteoarthritis. While this treatment has been endorsed by celebrities, professional athletes, and wellness centers alike, its effectiveness has yet to be proven. According to an article on the FDA’s website: Whole Body Cryotherapy

This so-called treatment hasn’t been proven to do any of these things…Consumers may incorrectly believe that the FDA has cleared or approved WBC devices as safe and effective to treat medical conditions. That is not the case. In fact, not a single WBC device has been cleared or approved by the agency in support of these claims…While the healing benefits of cryotherapy remain unconfirmed the potential risks are readily apparent. Potential hazards with WBC include asphyxiation, frostbite, burns, and eye injury….The FDA is also concerned that patients who opt for WBC treatment, especially in place of treatment options with established safety and effectiveness—may experience a lack of improvement or a worsening of their medical conditions.15 It seems that WBC is another fad that is understudied and over-glorified.

Is cryotherapy scientifically proven?
Cryotherapy is similar to the concept of applying an ice pack to a painful muscle or joint but on a larger scale. Ice packs can certainly be helpful in reducing inflammation, but there isn’t currently any conclusive scientific evidence to prove that full-body cryotherapy works better.
How much does whole-body cryotherapy cost?
A single session typically costs between $60 and $100, and the cost depends on the market. In Chicago and LA, for instance, cryotherapy tends to be closer to $60 (it’s $65 per session at Jim’s place), whereas, in New York, it tends to be closer to $100.
Is Whole Body Cryotherapy good for you?
But the FDA has not approved any whole-body cryotherapy device as safe and effective to treat medical conditions, and the American Academy of Dermatology doesn’t recommend whole-body cryotherapy.
What does whole-body cryotherapy do?
Helps treat mood disorders. The ultra-cold temperatures in whole-body cryotherapy can cause physiological hormonal responses. This includes the release of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and endorphins. This can have a positive effect on those experiencing mood disorders like anxiety and depression.
Is Whole Body Cryotherapy Painful?
Does Cryotherapy Hurt? Cryotherapy doesn’t hurt, although exposure to the cold is often a strange sensation during your first cryotherapy session. Your body will stay dry the entire time, and your head will remain outside the cryotherapy chamber.
Can you die from cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is very rarely deadly, but that doesn’t make it inherently safe, either. And Ake-Salvacion’s death is bringing to light some of its risks.
Does cryotherapy tighten loose skin?

Cryotherapy Weight Loss

This metabolic increase can last 3 to 5 days and may become permanent in just a few sessions. This treatment will also reduce cellulite and tighten any loose skin without surgery. Localized cryotherapy can safely target those areas on the body that you specifically want to trim.

Does cryotherapy really burn 800 calories?
One bout of Whole Body Cryotherapy has been shown to burn between 500 and 800 calories. That’s a lot of calories that get burned for standing in a tube for 3 minutes! That many calories is equivalent to running for 40-60 minutes at a 10-minute mile pace.
Can you get frostbite from cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is known to have a higher incidence of side effects than other types of verrucous lesion treatments. Side effects include burning, pruritus, pain, erythema, and blister formation. Frostbite is also a potential complication and can occur with professional or over-the-counter cryotherapy devices.
Is cryotherapy bad for your heart?
It is generally safe, but it is important to talk to a doctor before trying cryotherapy. Pregnant women, children, people with severe high blood pressure, and people with heart conditions should not try cryotherapy. Having a cryotherapy treatment for any longer than a few minutes can be fatal.
Is cryotherapy good for chronic pain?
Cryotherapy has been used to reduce chronic pain for many years due in part to its ease of use, affordability, and simplicity. It can be applied either locally (e.g., ice packs) or non-locally (e.g., partial and whole-body cryotherapy) depending on the location of the pain.
Is cryotherapy good for back pain?
Cryotherapy, Rocktape, and CBD are effective alternatives to traditional ways of treating chronic back pain. One session in the Whole Body Cryo chamber will relieve the inflammation that causes back pain. It’s comparable to ice baths, in which the cold decreases inflammation in joints and muscles.
Is cryotherapy good for bulging discs?
For herniated disc patients, there are numerous benefits that you can get from cryotherapy treatment. These include decreased inflammation, increased performance level whether at home or work, reduced pain and fatigue, and if you want more beautiful-looking skin, increased collagen production.
Does cryotherapy help nerve pain?
The freezing inactivates the nerve and, as a result, painful nerve irritation is relieved. Cryotherapy is a relatively safe and effective means of treating localized nerve irritation.
Does cryotherapy boost your immune system?
Through the release of endorphins, cryotherapy reduces cortisol levels, improving your stress and your mood at the same time. This boost lets your body focus on more important things, like revving up your immune system and fighting foreign invaders.
How long do the results of cryotherapy last?
The buoyant effects from each session typically last six to eight hours. Many clients report improvements in their sleep quality after cryotherapy.
Should I eat before cryotherapy?
DO NOT eat any carbs (sugar specifically) 2 hours before your slimming session. If you are able to come fast that is best or you may eat a meal consisting of protein and vegetables.
How cold is whole-body cryotherapy?
Whole-body cryotherapy involves exposing the body to vapors that reach ultra-low temperatures ranging from minus 200 to minus 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
How many cryotherapy sessions does it take to see results?
Like many common wellness treatments, cryotherapy will start to deliver results after repeated treatments. On average, it takes clients 8 – 10 sessions to feel a noticeable difference and see results.
What is the success rate of cryotherapy?
According to Planned Parenthood, cryosurgery has a success rate of about 85 to 90 percent. If the abnormal cells are still present after three to six months, your doctor may recommend a different gynecological procedure. Generally, you’ll be able to return to your normal activities as soon as the cryosurgery is over.
What do you wear to a cryotherapy session?

Wear Minimal Clothing

You will need to wear shorts or cotton underwear and cover your feet and hands to avoid frostbite. You can wear a few pairs of gloves and socks to protect those areas from the cold. Also, make sure everything you wear is completely dry, and remove all jewelry before entering.

What do I need to know before cryotherapy?
Top Things to Do Before Trying Cryotherapy
  1. Plan Some Serious Exercise. Train hard just before (or just after) so you can test Cryotherapy on your own body and see if you can feel reduced inflammation, reduced muscle soreness and/or relief from joint pain. …
  2. Focus on Diet and Weight Loss. …
  3. Book Complementary Health Appointments. …
  4. Have a Big Night Out.
Do blisters always form after cryotherapy?
Swelling and redness are normal responses to freezing the skin. This will usually settle after a few days. Blistering is a common side effect of cryotherapy. The blister usually settles after a few days as the scab forms.
Is ice bath the same as cryotherapy?
Ice baths are used solely to help with recovery time after exercise. Cryotherapy does affect recovery periods, but it has many other benefits as well.
How much does a cryotherapy machine cost?
The cost of cryotherapy machines ranges from $7,500 to $280,000 depending on the category: Cryo saunas cost from $30,000 to $61,000. Cryotherapy chambers cost from $75,000 to $280,000. Localized cryo machines start at $7,500.
 info at:

Solving the Puzzle

So what is the alternative to icing and rest? The answer is active recovery. There are four main factors that regulate muscle recovery inadequately hydrated, nourished, and rested individuals: (1) the bringing in of nourishment and other supplies; (2) the removal of waste; (3) the production and release of myokines; and (4) the remodeling of the repaired tissue. Only active recovery can accomplish all of these goals, as muscle activation is the fundamental facilitator of the four processes noted above.
According to an article in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the loading of tissues is one of the most important concepts in orthopedics in this century. Loading (mechanical stress on tissues causes by muscle activation and contraction) accelerates the healing of bone, fibrous tissue, and skeletal muscle. Although there are many approaches to facilitate tissue healing, none offer beneficial effects comparable to those produced by the loading of healing tissues.16
Muscle activation is critical in the removal of waste. The lymphatic system is a passive system comprised of 180,000-300,000 miles of one-way vessels, which have valves designed to prevent the fluid from moving in the wrong direction. These valves create a series of tiny chambers. The fluid in the vessels moves from chamber to chamber when it is compressed by the surrounding muscles. The lymphatic fluid does not move automatically, like blood; which is activated through the contraction of the heart, it is only activated through the mechanical movement of muscles.17 So if swelling is the accumulation of fluid due to lack of lymphatic drainage, then activating the lymphatic system is the solution to reducing swelling. Muscle activation is also critical to increasing the delivery of nourishment to tissue damaged from exercise or injury. When muscles are adequately activated, they send a message to the smooth muscles that surround the blood vessels to relax. Once relaxed, the blood vessels dilate (widen), and circulation increases. It’s also muscle activation that provides the needed mechanical stress (loading) to facilitate the production and release of myokines; which drives the tissue regeneration process. Repaired muscle tissue cannot optimally remodel without mechanical stress. Failure to optimally remodel the repaired muscle tissue leads directly to dysfunctional movement and poor biomechanics. Active recovery provides the necessary mechanical stress to facilitate this process.
Alternatively, rest is often recommended along with icing, as too much stress on the injured area may aggravate the tissue, causing additional damage. By being still, you won’t cause any further damage, but you also won’t do anything to optimize the recovery process.
For enhanced recovery, the goal is to find practical active recovery and loading methods that will not aggravate the tissue or cause any additional damage. Ideally, you should try to activate the muscles surrounding the damaged tissue in order to achieve the largest amount of pain-free, low-stress, and non-fatiguing muscle activation. Muscle contraction in the affected area will generate a lymphatic flush and increase circulation, bringing nourishment in and waste out of the area. Mild, controlled movements are also essential to the repair and remodeling process.
Muscle activation is the key facilitator for all stages of the recovery process.

The Future of Recovery

The biggest obstacle in the way of reducing the widespread use of icing is the need for reeducation. It is difficult to alter how the masses see such a universally accepted ritual. This will take research and a lot of time to alter what is believed to be true. Author, speaker, CrossFit coach, and physical therapist, Dr. Kelly Starrett DPT has said in regards to learning the truth about icing, “I have had to resolve quite a bit of personal and professional cognitive dissonance… Does this mean I’m wrong? Have I limited the healing of my patients? …if you know it’s wrong, and your clinical experience is refuting what you thought you knew; shouldn’t you also inform your friends and colleagues?”18 The amount of clinicians, athletes, trainers, and other professionals joining in on the movement away from ice and RICE has slowly allowed it to gain more traction. Today, the percentage of trainers for professional sports teams who are recommending icing is dwindling. Legendary pitching coach Dick Mills even wrote an article about “The Scientific Reason Why Baseball Pitchers Should Never Ice Their Arms.”19 So while icing still has value in numbing pain and providing a temporary delay to swelling, all indicators point to it being ineffective for healing and recovery. Here’s the bottom line: if you want to speed recovery, skip the ice and focus on controlled, low-stress, non-fatiguing muscle activation.

PLUS,

The science research on icing and heat for sports injuries
ChatGPT says:

The use of ice and heat in the treatment of sports injuries has been a topic of scientific research and clinical practice. Here is an overview of the research findings regarding the use of icing and heat for sports injuries:

Icing (Cryotherapy):

  1. Reducing inflammation: Ice application, also known as cryotherapy, is commonly used in the acute stage of an injury to reduce inflammation and swelling. The cold temperature helps constrict blood vessels and decrease blood flow to the injured area, thereby reducing swelling.
  2. Pain relief: Cold therapy can provide analgesic effects by numbing the area and reducing nerve conduction, which can help alleviate pain associated with sports injuries.
  3. Timing and duration: Studies suggest that icing should be applied as soon as possible after an acute injury occurs. Typically, 15 to 20 minutes of ice application every 2 to 3 hours is recommended. However, prolonged icing should be avoided to prevent tissue damage.

Heat Therapy (Thermotherapy):

  1. Promoting blood flow: Heat therapy, such as the application of warm packs or heating pads, can increase blood flow to the injured area. This can facilitate the delivery of nutrients and oxygen, promoting the healing process.
  2. Relaxation and pain relief: Heat can help relax muscles, alleviate muscle spasms, and provide pain relief. It increases tissue extensibility and may enhance flexibility and range of motion.
  3. Timing and caution: Heat therapy is generally recommended for chronic injuries or injuries that are beyond the acute phase. It should be used cautiously to avoid exacerbating inflammation in the early stages of an acute injury.

It is important to note that individual responses to icing and heat therapy can vary, and there may be specific considerations depending on the type and severity of the injury. Additionally, recent studies have questioned the use of traditional RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) protocols and emphasized the importance of early movement and activity in injury recovery.

To ensure appropriate use, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or sports medicine specialist who can assess your specific injury and provide personalized recommendations based on the latest research and best practices.

Keep in mind that icing and heat therapy are typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include rest, rehabilitation exercises, and other interventions to optimize healing and recovery.

The scientific research on icing for injuries, does it help or hinder?
ChatGPT

The use of ice for injuries has been a subject of debate within the scientific community, with differing viewpoints regarding its effectiveness and potential drawbacks. Here is a summary of some research findings related to the use of icing for injuries:

  1. Reducing inflammation: Ice application is commonly believed to help reduce inflammation and swelling in the acute stage of an injury. Cold therapy can constrict blood vessels, decrease blood flow, and limit the release of inflammatory substances. This can potentially reduce the initial swelling and provide pain relief.
  2. Controversies on inflammation: However, recent research suggests that inflammation is a crucial part of the healing process. Some studies propose that the initial inflammatory response plays a vital role in tissue repair and regeneration. By inhibiting inflammation with icing, it is possible that the natural healing process could be disrupted or delayed.
  3. Delayed recovery: A systematic review published in the Journal of Athletic Training in 2013 found limited evidence supporting the use of ice for acute soft tissue injuries. The review concluded that icing may delay the overall recovery process, hinder tissue regeneration, and potentially impair muscle performance.
  4. Individual response and injury type: The effectiveness of icing may vary depending on factors such as the type and location of the injury, the individual’s response to cold therapy, and the stage of the healing process. Different tissues and injuries may respond differently to ice application.
  5. Alternatives and individualized approach: Some experts suggest alternative strategies, such as progressive loading, early movement, and appropriate rehabilitation exercises, as more beneficial for injury recovery compared to relying solely on ice therapy. An individualized approach, considering the specific injury and the patient’s response, is recommended.

It is important to note that while there is ongoing debate and evolving perspectives on the use of icing for injuries, cold therapy continues to be used in certain cases for pain relief and to manage acute swelling. However, the appropriateness and duration of icing should be based on professional advice, considering the specific injury, individual factors, and the latest research.

Even more info at:

http://marcpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Icing-Whitepaper.pdf

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319740

https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20190813/cryotherapy-faq

 

Therapeutic Swedish Massage, Sports Massage Therapy in Santa Barbara, Goleta

 

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