Weltman, A. L., Greenwood, J. D., Moses, E. Bernardino, M., & Gaesser, G. A. (2005). Effects of exercise recovery intensity on blood lactate disappearance and subsequent swimming performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37(5), Supplement abstract 447.

Competitive swimmers (N = 14) completed lactate profiles at swimming velocities that produced lactate threshold, 50% lactate threshold, and 150% lactate threshold. 200-m maximal swims were followed by recoveries of no swimming, and swimming velocities of 50%, 100%, and 150% of lactate threshold, which in turn were followed by another 200-m maximal swim.

All swimming recoveries produce faster lactate removal than passive recoveries. Swimming at 100% velocity of lactate threshold produced the best recovery. Recovery swimming at 100% and 150% velocity of lactate threshold produced improved performance on the second maximal swim with 100% being better than all the other conditions.

Implication. Active recovery at a velocity equivalent to 100% lactate threshold produces the best recovery and following swim. At competitions, this is the best velocity for recovery between races.

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