Abstract
Aims: Motocross consists of two races of 30 min with a break in between. Recovery between races is paramount to performance, this study aimed to compare the effects of active and passive recovery between motocross races on riding performance. Methods: Thirteen elite and non-elite racers performed two races of 30 min with 1 h break, twice with two-week interval. Between the races active (20 min ergometer cycling at 60% of HRmax) or passive recovery (no activity) were executed in a randomized order. Lap times, heart rate during riding, blood lactate, reaction time, handgrip strength, upper back pull strength, counter movement jump height, and medicine ball throw distance were measured before and after both races. Serum creatine kinase enzyme activity and strength tests were assessed also 24 h after the races. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in any variables between protocols. A significant drop in handgrip strength was found post-race values (p < 0.001). Post-racing creatine kinase values were above resting levels. Conclusion: These results do not support the use of active recovery in between motocross races for restoration of neuromuscular or riding performance. Motocross seems to cause some exercise-induced muscle damage; thus, some rest is required to recover homeostasis.
Highlights
In motocross racing the riders have to manoeuvre a heavy and powerful motorcycle in order to go as fast as possible on a dirt track
No significant differences between active and passive recovery protocols were found when comparing the results of the different tests
No significant interactions between time and recovery protocol were observed for countermovement jump (CMJ) height (F(1.51,12.1) = 1.076, p = 0.352), upper body pull strength test (UBP) isometric strength (F(4,32) = 0.557, p = 0.695), handgrip isometric strength (F(4,32) = 1.004, p = 0.420), or medicine ball throwing distance (F(3,24) = 0.0627, p = 0.605). (Table 1-2)
Summary
In motocross racing the riders have to manoeuvre a heavy and powerful motorcycle in order to go as fast as possible on a dirt track. Previous research findings show that motocross riding requires great levels of strength and endurance[3,19,18]. It seems that strength is impaired after a motocross bout, and the forearm muscles have showed maximal EMG activity during racing[3,19,18]. Ascensão et al.[4] found a considerable increase in catecholamine plasma levels. Isometric muscle actions during motocross riding can play a significant role in increasing blood pressure, heart rate and ventilation[27,30]
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