Effects of recovery wear on heart rate variability following the Wingate anaerobic test

Abstract

Rapid recovery from high intensity repeated of bouts exercise within short periods of time should be beneficial for athletes to enhance subsequent performance and prevent chronic overtraining injuries. Accumulation of lactate is historically considered one of the important correlates of fatigue and blood lactate concentration has been used as an indicator of exercise-induced fatigue. During anaerobic exercise, fast twitch muscle fibers (type IIa and lIb) are primarily recruited. Lactate is generated and hydrogen ions are released which decreases intramuscular pH, contributing to fatigue. Active and passive recovery protocols are well known methods to enhance the return to homeostasis after the exercise. Numerous studies have shown that active recovery, which involves recovering from exercise via continuously engaging in exercise at low intensity, is the most effective method of decreasing blood lactate levels, but active recovery is not always feasible. Active recovery increases blood circulation via vasodilation which facilitates the lactate buffering capacity and oxygen delivery to the muscles. Active recovery will also increase the metabolism of lactate by recruiting type I muscle fibers during the recovery period. In order to facilitate rapid recovery, compression garments have been used during exercise and post-exercise recovery among athletes. Research involving theses garments are inconclusive and have revealed little effect on recovery. Specific warm¬up/warm-down/compression garments have been developed to promote quicker recovery via choice of materials or fabrics. Compression garments are believed to facilitate post-exercise recovery by increasing peripheral venous return.