Watson, R. C., & Hanley, R. D. (1986). Application of active recovery techniques for a simulated ice hockey task. Canadian Journal of Applied Sports Sciences, 11, 82-87.

The effects of two different active recovery modes, skating and bench-stepping, on lactic acid concentrations and subsequent performance of a simulated ice-hockey task were evaluated. Male ice-hockey players (N = 8) were tested one month after completion of a competitive season. Physiological and simulated-task measures were taken. Ss participated in skating, bench-stepping, and control conditions.

Lactic acid concentration was significantly lower for bench-stepping than the control condition, but skating was not different to either condition. Skating performances were similar after each condition.

Implication. Two forms of active recovery (skating, bench-stepping) had little effect on physiological parameters and none on performance over that which was recorded for passive (rest) recovery.

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