Febbraio, M. A., McAich, A. J., Parkin, J. M., Zhao, S., & Carey, M. F. (1999). Effect of mode of recovery on metabolism and performance during subsequent exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(5), Supplement abstract 824.

The effect of active recovery after intense aerobic exercise on the metabolism and performance of subsequent, similar exercise was evaluated. Ss (N = 7) completed two all-out 20-minute cycling efforts, with a 15-minute recovery period between each effort on two occasions. During recovery, Ss rested in a supine position or continued to cycle at 40% VO2max.

In the second exercise, muscle glycogen use or work performed did not differ between either form of recovery. Lactate accumulations were similar during performances for both conditions. Plasma lactate was lower at the start of the second bout of exercise in the active-recovery condition.

Active recovery accelerated the clearance of post-exercise lactate but had no effect on glycogen or lactate metabolism or performance in a subsequent exercise.

Implication. Active recovery reduces accumulated lactate but does not enhance subsequent exercise.

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