Young, J. C., & Pitt, K. T. (1996). Effect of static stretching on lactate removal after high intensity exercise. Medicine and Science in Exercise and Sports, 28(5), Supplement abstract 406.

Active recovery more effectively lowers post-exercise lactate than does passive recovery. Since static stretching requires muscular effort while holding positions, it can be considered a form of active recovery. This study found that static stretching was more effective for promoting recovery than passive recovery but it was not as good as full active recovery.

Implication. Static stretching would be a preferred recovery activity when no other form of active recovery can be performed.

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