THE EFFECTS OF ACTIVE RECOVERY ON LACTATE CLEARANCE DURING HIGH INTENSITY RESISTANCE TRAINING IN COLLEGIATE ATHLETES

With the development of intense strength and conditioning programs, it is necessary to investigate the best means for recovery promotion during workout sessions for optimal performance. The objective of this study is to evaluate blood lactate concentrations and the effects of active and passive recovery during high intensity resistance sytrength training session. Fifteen healthy female collegiate athletes age 18-22 yr. participated in a strength and conditioning workout session. Participants were randomized into an active recovery (AR) or passive recovery intervention (PR). Both groups performed 2 sets of 8 repetitions at 70% 1RM in the following order: Power Clean, Barbell Squat, Barbell Bench Press, Barbell Bent-Over Row, and Kettlebell swings. Each set and exercise were separated by 3-min rest. The active recovery group cycled on an ergometer and the passive recovery group remained seated for the recovery. The blood lactate was collected at baseline, between each exercise and post testing. Blood lactate (BL) was quantified using finger pricks blood analysis with the handheld lactate analyzers. The changes in blood lactate were compared between active and passive groups using a one-way ANOVA statistical analysis. No significant effect was observed for blood lactate levels between the two interventions at rest, between each exercise or post value.