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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2006 Mar;40(3):260-3.
doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2005.022483.

Effectiveness of post-match recovery strategies in rugby players

N D Gill  1 , C M Beaven, C Cook
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effectiveness of post-match recovery strategies in rugby players

N D Gill et al. Br J Sports Med. 2006 Mar.

Abstract

Objectives: 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.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: none declared

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