Coffer, L. W., McCarthy, J. P., Miller, C. T., Neason, M. V., & Wyatt, F. B. (2003). The effects of active and passive recovery on blood lactate. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 2070.

Lactate removal in recovery was studied in female athletes (N = 9). Ss performed two 30-second Wingate tests, one ending with passive recovery, the other with active recovery. A variety of physiological and performance measures were taken.

Active recovery removed lactate significantly faster than passive recovery. There was no relationship between lactate recovery and peak power or fatigue index.

Implication. Active recovery increases the rate of lactate removal in female athletes.

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