Micklewright, D., Sellens, M., Gladwell, V., & Beneke, R. (2006). Blood lactate removal using combined massage and active recovery. Biology of Sport, 23, 315-325.

The effect of combined massage and active recovery on blood lactate removal following a 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Cycling Test was investigated. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) was estimated for healthy Ss (N = 25) using a YMCA incremental cycle test. After 5-minute rest, Ss performed a Wingate Anaerobic Cycling Test and were then randomly assigned to one of five recovery conditions: i) sitting rest (N = 5), ii) leg massage (N = 5), iii) active cycling at 37.5% VO2max (N = 5), iv) combined rest-active recovery (N = 5) or, v) combined massage-active recovery (N = 5). Blood lactate was measured from fingertip samples.

Blood lactate concentration was significantly reduced in the active recovery group and the combined massage-active recovery group compared to the rest recovery group.

Implication. Combined massage-active recovery may be favorable to active recovery since it is more energy efficient and less uncomfortable.

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