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Research: MIKA and COLLEAGUES
Listed in Issue 154
Abstract
MIKA and COLLEAGUES Department of Rehabilitation, Academy of Physical Education, Al. Jana Pawla II 78, 31-571 Krakow, Poland compared the effects of different relaxation modes following exercise.
Background
The objective of this study was to assess the influence of different relaxation modes: stretching (ST), active recovery (AR), and passive recovery (PR) on muscle relaxation after dynamic exercise of the quadriceps femoris.
Methodology
Ten healthy male volunteers between 24 and 38 yrs of age participated in this study. After the warm-up, subjects performed three sets of dynamic leg extension and flexion (at an angle of 20-110 degrees) at 50% of previously determined maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), with 30 secs. of rest between sets. Immediately after completing the leg exercise, one of the relaxation methods was applied, in a randomized order (AR, PR, ST). Then, subjects performed isometric knee extension at 50% of MVC to the point of fatigue, and surface electromyogram (EMG) of the vastus lateralis muscle was measured.
Results
After AR, the mean MVC was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than after PR and ST. Moreover, there was no difference in MVC between AR and baseline (P > 0.05). Total time of the effort during EMG measurement was significantly lower for all three recovery modes than at baseline. During the effort after both PR and ST, there was no significant increase in motor unit activation, but a significant increase was noted after AR (P < 0.05). There was no difference in frequency between any of the recovery modes and baseline (P > 0.05)
Conclusion
The results of this study suggest that the most appropriate and effective recovery mode after dynamic muscle fatigue involves light, active exercises, such as cycling with minimal resistance.
References
Mika A, Mika P, Fernhall B and Unnithan VB. Comparison of recovery strategies on muscle performance after fatiguing exercise. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 86(6):474-81. Jun 2007.
