Active vs. Passive Recovery Following an Aerobic Exercise Bout: A Pilot Study Sparks, J.R. B.S., ACSM HFS, BACCHUS PHE; Brooks, K.A. PhD Department of Kinesiology, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA INTRODUCTION METHODS RESULTS Many participants in physical activity are posed with a common problem after an endurance exercise bout. As knowledge and insight continually grows in athletic performance and recovery, the need for an increase in research to define modes of recovery becomes increasingly important. It is pertinent to realize that many populations rely on their modes of recovery post-exercise, looking for the most efficient and effective way. Recovery is extremely important in injury prevention, nutrient re-uptake, and return to resting physiologic levels, such as heart rate and blood pressure. Previous studies have stated that passive modes of cool-down are more effective than active following an aerobic event in trained athletes (Greenwood, 2008); the most effective being lying down post-aerobic activity (Bucheit, 2009). Thevenet (2007), stated that, passive recovery allows for a longer running time than active recovery in certain populations (endurance trained and active populations) for a similar time spent at a given percent of VO2max. It is important to focus on basic physiological variables such as heart rate and blood pressure, due to the incomparable insight each variable provides to the knowledge base of recovery. Heart rate and blood pressure are direct measurements as to how “hard” the cardiovascular system is working and how efficient the system is at rest, during activity, and post-activity (recovery). The majority of research studies compared multiple modes of endurance activity with passive and active recovery. This study allowed for data collection of all subjects utilizing active and passive modes; whereas, most studies have focused on one or the other. Participants performed a cycling protocol in a lab setting, thus limiting practical applications, but making theoretical applications available for future research. It is pertinent to present both types of recovery with the same population to measure differences within subjects and independently between subjects due to the nature of this type of research. Hypothesis. Passive recovery will provide a significant difference in heart rate and blood pressure following an aerobic bout of cycling exercise. Definition of Terms. Recovery- involves resynthesis of high-energy phosphates replenishment of oxygen in blood, bodily fluids, and muscle myoglobin; and a small energy cost to sustain elevated circulation and ventilation. Procedures. The study was designed to last two (2) weeks, equaling two (2) sessions per participant (one week between sessions). The study took place in the Louisiana Tech University Human Performance Lab. Each participant entered the controlled lab setting at a specified time presented prior to the study taking place. Upon arrival, each participant was fitted with a Polar E600 heart rate monitor, which would serve as the standard for establishing heart rate throughout the protocol, as well as a McCoy certified blood pressure cuff to auscultate (Littman stethoscope) blood pressure. After each participant was fitted with a heart rate monitor and blood pressure cuff, the practitioner adjusted the Monark 828E Cycling Ergometer to fit each individual’s height (roughly a 5-7o angle upon extension at the knee). Once all preliminary tasks were complete, each participant lied down, supine for five (5) minutes to establish a “true” resting heart rate and blood pressure prior to activity. After the five minute rest period was complete, heart rate and blood pressure were measured and recorded. The participant would then stand up and begin the independently designed protocol on the Monark cycle ergometer (all stages ,excluding recovery, were three minutes: Warm-Up:No resistance (0 kiloponds) at 80 revolutions per minute (rpms). Stage 1: One (1) kilopond of resistance while maintaining 70-75 RPMs. Stage 2: Two (2) kiloponds of resistance while maintaining 65-70 RPMs. Stage 3: Three (3) kiloponds of resistance while maintaining 60-65 RPMs. In the finalminute of each stage heart rate and blood pressure were recorded. Recovery: During the first session, upon completion of the cycling protocol, each participant utilized an active method of recovery; continuing to cycle at 0 kiloponds of resistance while maintaining an RPM of 80 for five (5) minutes. During the second session, upon completion of the cycling protocol, each participant utilized a passive mode of recovery; moving off of the bike and lying down, supine for five (5) minutes. During each minute of each mode of recovery heart rate and blood pressure were measured and recorded. Statistical Analysis. Means (average) and standard deviations were found utilizing Microsoft Excel Formula; percent differences were found utilizing hand calculations and formula set-up through Microsoft Excel. Limitations. Conducted in one geographic location (single university- Louisiana Tech University). Study’s application is theoretical. Participants may have adapted (familiarized) to testing procedures as research continued. Delimitations. Subjects between the ages of 18 to 24 were utilized. Study was performed in a controlled lab setting. 1 DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION Both modes showed significant changes when compared to one another, as well as when compared to resting values. Through this limited, “pilot” study, there was an established protocol to reach a given percent of heart rate max with a graded exercise test using an independent cycling protocol. When considering active versus passive recovery as modes of recovery post-aerobic activity, it is important to understand the means by which they are established. Overall, the study proved that both methods serve as ideal methods for recovery. METHODS REFERENCES Participants. Three (3 males; 0 females) Louisiana Tech University graduate students volunteered for this study; mean age = 24 years old (+ 2.1), height = 186.29 cm (+ 1.45), and weight = 89.1 kg (+ 21.15). Equipment. Monark 828E Cycle Ergometer Auscultation Blood Pressure Cuff (McCoy) and Stethoscope (Littman) Portable Electronic Heart Rate Monitor (Polar E600) Buchheit, M., Cormie, P., Abbiss, C.R., Ahmaidi, S., Nosaka, K.K., & Laursen, P.B. (2009). Muscle deoxygenation during repeated sprint running: Effect of active vs. passive recovery. 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