Comparison of active and passive recovery using local heat in lactate removal in cyclists

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the comparative effect on lactatemia of active and passive recovery using local heat in male cyclists. Methods: Two recovery protocols applied on 24 cyclists were compared. One protocol consisted of active recovery of 15 min pedaling at 40% of V̇O2max followed by 15 min rest. The other protocol consisted of 30 min of passive recovery with hot packs on thighs for 15 min. Blood lactate was measured at maximal effort and during recovery. Results: Changes in lactatemia over time were not equivalent across the two protocol groups (p = .000). Lactatemia differences averaged across time were significant (p = .000). The mean values of lactatemia decreased over time but more so in the active recovery group. Conclusions: Active recovery exercising at 40% of V̇O2max after an intense effort results in a more effective decrease of blood lactate levels than passive recovery with local heat.