Franchini, E., Takito, M. Y., Nakamura, F. Y., Matsushigue, K. A., & Peduti Dal'Molin Kiss, M. A. (2003). Effects of recovery type after a judo combat on blood lactate removal and on performance in an intermittent anaerobic task. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 43, 424-431.

This study evaluated the effects of active and passive recovery after a judo match on blood lactate removal and on performance of an anaerobic intermittent task (four bouts of upper body Wingate tests with a 3-minute rest interval between bouts). Male judo players (N = 17) of different competitive levels: a) National (Brazil) and International medalists (N = 5); b) State (Sao Paulo) medalists (N = 7); and c) City (Sao Paulo) medalists (N = 5). Ss were submitted to: i) a treadmill test for determination of VO2peak and velocity at anaerobic threshold; 2) body composition; 3) a 5-minute judo combat, 15 minutes of active or passive recovery followed by four bouts of upper body Wingate tests.

There was no difference in performance between active and passive recovery conditions. Blood lactate after combat (10 and 15 minutes) was lower during active recovery compared to passive recovery. National, international, and state medalists performed better in the high-intensity intermittent exercise compared to athletes of a lower competitive level (city medalists).

Implication. Lactate removal was improved with active recovery when compared to passive recovery but active recovery did not improve performance in a subsequent intermittent anaerobic exercise.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.