Monedero, J., & Donne, B. (2000). Effect of recovery interventions on lactate removal and subsequent performance. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 21, 593-597.

The effectiveness of different recovery interventions after exercise was investigated. Trained male cyclists (N = 18) initially performed an incremental maximal oxygen consumption test. Four recovery conditions were employed: passive recovery, active recovery at 50% VO2max, massage, and combined active and massage. At each session, two 5-km maximal effort time trials were performed. The recovery routine was employed in the 20-min period between trials.

Combined recovery was better than any of the other conditions. It produced better performance maintenance in the second time trial. Active and combined recoveries were at various stages better than the other conditions in blood lactate removal however, the combined condition produced better results than the other conditions at the end of the recovery period.

Implication. Combined active and massage recovery activities produced better recovery and subsequent performance in a maximal 5-km cycling time trial.

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