Abstract

The capacity to recover from intense training, competition and matches is considered an important determinant in soccer performance. At present, there is no consensus on the effect of post-training recovery interventions on subsequent training session. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of active (12 min submaximal running and 8 min of static stretching) and passive recovery (20 min sitting on a bench) interventions performed immediately after a training session on anaerobic performances (CMJ, 20 m sprint and Balsom agility test) and lower limb flexibility 24 h after the training. During two experimental sessions, 31 professional soccer players participated in a randomized fully controlled trial design. The first session was designed to evaluate the player’s anaerobic performances and lower limb flexibility (pretest). After baseline measurements, participants performed a standardized soccer training during which heart rate and RPE were recorded to evaluate the training load. At the end of the training unit all players were randomly assigned to the active recovery group and the passive recovery group. A second experimental session was organized to obtain the posttest values. Players performed the same test, administered in the same order than in the first trial. No significant differences between groups were observed in heart rate and RPE. No significant effect due to recovery interventions was found on lower limb flexibility and anaerobic performances except CMJ that posttest value was significantly greater in the active recovery group than in the passive group (p < 0.05).

Highlights

  • Soccer players are often exposed to demanding training and competition schedules, which may include repeated, high‐intensity exercise sessions performed on consecutive days, multiple times per week (King and Duffield, 2009)

  • No significant effect due to recovery interventions was found on anaerobic performances except the countermovement jump (CMJ) in which the posttest value was significantly greater in the active recovery group than in the passive group (p < 0.05)

  • The present study was mainly designed to investigate the effects of immediate post‐training active and passive recovery interventions on anaerobic performances and lower limb flexibility in professional soccer players

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Summary

Introduction

Soccer players are often exposed to demanding training and competition schedules, which may include repeated, high‐intensity exercise sessions performed on consecutive days, multiple times per week (King and Duffield, 2009). Each training and game places high physical demands on players as they experience repeated moderate and rapid accelerations and decelerations, explosive jumps, and muscle damage from eccentric loading or contact trauma (Reilly et al, 2008). Excessive volumes of intense training and competition, with minimal recovery time, can place great physiological demands on the musculoskeletal, nervous, immune, and metabolic systems, potentially causing a negative effect on subsequent exercise performance (Reilly and Ekblom, 2005), and predispose some players to overload injuries (Barnett, 2006), especially during a congested fixture period where players are required to compete and train repeatedly within a short time frame (Dupont et al, 2010; Rey et al, 2010). Active recovery may include jogging or submaximal running and stretching exercises.

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