Baquet, G., Dupont, G., Van Praagh, E., & Berthoin, S. (2006). Effect of active versus passive recovery during high-intensity intermittent exercises in children. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(5), Supplement abstract 1477.

This study compared the effects of the type of recovery (active vs. passive) on time to exhaustion during short-term intermittent runs (15s) at 120% of maximal aerobic speed in children (N = 11). Ss underwent a graded test and two intermittent runs (15s) alternated with 15s of active recovery (50% of maximal aerobic speed) or with 15s of passive recovery to exhaustion. During all tests, cardiorespiratory factors were measured. Ss were continuously encouraged to run until exhaustion. The graded test was performed to determine VO2max and maximum aerobic speed. The second and third tests were performed in a random order to assess time to exhaustion.

Time to exhaustion during the intermittent runs with active recovery was significantly shorter when compared with passive recovery.

Implication. Children performing high intensity short duration exercises interspersed with active recovery performed worse than when recovery was passive.

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