Effectiveness of post-match recovery strategies in rugby players.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effectiveness of four interventions on the rate and magnitude of muscle damage recovery, as measured by creatine kinase (CK).


METHODS
23 elite male rugby players were monitored transdermally before, immediately after, 36 hours after, and 84 hours after competitive rugby matches. Players were randomly assigned to complete one of four post-match strategies: contrast water therapy (CWT), compression garment (GAR), low intensity active exercise (ACT), and passive recovery (PAS).


RESULTS
Significant increases in CK activity in transdermal exudate were observed as a result of the rugby match (p<0.01). The magnitude of recovery in the PAS intervention was significantly worse than in the ACT, CWT, and GAR interventions at the 36 and 84 hour time points (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
An enhanced rate and magnitude of recovery was observed in the ACT, CWT, and GAR treatment groups when compared with the PAS group. Low impact exercise immediately post-competition, wearing compression garments, or carrying out contrast water therapy enhanced CK clearance more than passive recovery in young male athletes.
Gill
N D
ND
Waikato Institute of Technology, School of Sport and Exercise Science, Hamilton, New Zealand. nicholas.gill@wintec.ac.nz
Beaven
C M
CM
Cook
C
C
D000328:Adult; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000378:metabolism*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005538:Football / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018763:Muscle Fatigue / Q000502:physiology*; D011482:Protective Devices; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003402:Creatine Kinase