Recovery After High-Intensity Interval Training in Professional Soccer Players: Passive-Active Combination Recovery Technique

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate which of the passive recovery (PR), active recovery (AR) and passive-active combination recovery (PAR) techniques applied after the end of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) was more effective in professional super league soccer players. Method: 28 trained professional male soccer players (age: 24.79±2.75 years, height: 180.50±5.81 cm, weight: 74.18±5.47 kg) from the Türkiye Super League team participated in this study voluntarily. Before the study, participants were assigned to 3 groups according to heart rate (HR) and lactic acid (La) levels. Each HIIT load intensity was determined according to the Karvonen method. HIIT sessions were performed for 5 repetitions of 2 minutes (1 set = 5x2 minutes) and a 30-second rest was given between repetitions. At the end of the set, a 2-minute recovery period was applied. Three different recovery techniques, PR, AR and PAR, were applied alternately to each group at the end of the HIIT programs. Participants' HR and La values were taken at the end of HIIT and recovery techniques. Differences between the obtained data were determined by repeated measures one-way ANOVA and multiple comparison tests. P<0.05 level was considered significant in all tests. Results: Although there was no significant difference in La levels between groups (p>0.05), significant differences were observed between HR and loading intensities (p<0.05). According to the results of multiple comparisons, the recoveries in HR and La levels were found to be significant in favor of the PAT group (p<0.05). Discussion: It can be thought that football players increase the mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative and lipid oxidation capacities of skeletal muscles due to adaptations to HIIT and similar heavy workouts. Depending on these developments in the athletes' condition, it can be said that all three recovery techniques affect the decrease of HR and La in the two-minute period. Conclusion: PR and PAR techniques were effective in reducing HR levels. AR and PAR techniques were effective in reducing La levels. Therefore, it can be said that the PAR technique is more effective in reducing both HR and La levels together.