Felix, S. D., Manos, T. M., Jarvis, A. T., Jensen, B. E., & Headley, S.A. (1997). Swimming performance following different recovery protocols in female collegiate swimmers. Journal of Swimming Research, 12, 1-6.

This study compared lactate levels and subsequent swim performance following a maximal swim using three different recovery activities; swimming; rowing; and passive rest. Females from a Division III swim team (N=10) were tested under each recovery condition. Experimental sessions were separated by at least one day. Each session consisted of two maximal effort 200-yd freestyle swims, separated by 14 minutes of recovery. The 14-minute recovery was broken into three sections: two minutes to prepare for the recovery, 10 minutes of active/passive recovery, and two minutes to prepare for the second trial swim. Variables measured were blood lactate concentrations across time and the time difference between trial swims. Blood samples were drawn pretest and at 2, 7, and 12 minutes into the recovery period.

Significantly lower mean lactate levels and smaller mean time differences were reported for swimming and rowing recoveries when compared to passive rest. No significant difference was between swimming and rowing activity recoveries.

Implication. Recovery that incorporates exercise, regardless of mode, appears to be more effective in maintaining performance than passive rest.

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