Spierer, D. K., Baran, D. A., Goldsmith, R. L., & Katz, S. D. (2001). Active recovery between high-intensity exercise bouts improves performance in hockey players. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(5), Supplement abstract 780.

A preliminary study, using ice-hockey players (N = 3), was conducted to evaluate the effects of active recovery on total work and lactate clearance. Exercise was performed on a bicycle ergometer. Consecutive Wingate Power Tests were performed with rest being passive or active (28% peak power cycling).

In the active recovery condition, Ss performed significantly more work in the subsequent exercise bout. Lactate recovery levels were lowered faster and to a greater amount in the recovery period. These significant results were demonstrated despite the low power of the statistical tests caused by the small sample sized.

Active recovery during maximum bouts of anaerobic exercise improves recovery rates and prepares the athlete to work to a higher level in the ensuing exercise bout.

Implication.

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