Effectiveness of post-match recovery strategies in rugby players. Issue 3 (27th February 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gill, N D; Beaven, C M; Cook, C
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 40:Issue 3(2006)
• Page Start: 260
• Page End: 263
• Publication Date: 2006-02-27
• Subjects: ACT, active recovery -- CK, creatine kinase -- CWT, contrast water therapy -- GAR, compression garment -- NPC, National Provincial Championship -- PAS, passive recovery; creatine kinase -- contrast water therapy -- active recovery -- passive recovery -- compression garments; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2005.022483
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of four interventions on the rate and magnitude of muscle damage recovery, as measured by creatine kinase (CK). Methods: 23 elite male rugby players were monitored transdermally before, immediately after, 36 hours after, and 84 hours after competitive rugby matches. Players were randomly assigned to complete one of four post-match strategies: contrast water therapy (CWT), compression garment (GAR), low intensity active exercise (ACT), and passive recovery (PAS). Results: Significant increases in CK activity in transdermal exudate were observed as a result of the rugby match (p<0.01). The magnitude of recovery in the PAS intervention was significantly worse than in the ACT, CWT, and GAR interventions at the 36 and 84 hour time points (p<0.05). Conclusions: An enhanced rate and magnitude of recovery was observed in the ACT, CWT, and GAR treatment groups when compared with the PAS group. Low impact exercise immediately post-competition, wearing compression garments, or carrying out contrast water therapy enhanced CK clearance more than passive recovery in young male athletes.