The effects of two different recovery postures during high intensity interval training

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of two different recovery postures, hands on head (HH) and hands on knees (HK), as a form of immediate recovery from high intensity interval training (HIIT). Furthermore, the study examined whether the two recovery postures influenced subsequent power performance in a Wingate Anaerobic Test. Twenty subjects were included and testing sessions were randomized for each subject. Each subject performed four intervals of 4 minutes of running (4X4) with three minutes of recovery between each running interval. During each three minute recovery interval, measurements recorded included: HRR for the first minute and then volume of carbon dioxide (VCO2) and tidal volume (VT). After the last recovery interval, each subject performed a Wingate Anaerobic Test. The results show improved HRR (p < .001) and greater VT (p = .008) with HK when compared to HH (53 versus 31 beats per minute for HRR and 1.44 versus 1.34 L/minute VT respectively). However there was no difference in VCO2 (1.13 L/min with HK and 1.03 L/min with HH) or subsequent mean power output on the Wingate Anaerobic Test (503 Watts with HK and 498 Watts with HH) between both groups. HK posture may be more beneficial than the popularly advocated HH posture as a form of immediate recovery from HIIT.