Evaluation of active and passive recovery protocols applied after training

This study aims to evaluate the effects of active and passive recovery protocols applied after fatigue in female football players. A total of 10 female football players (n=10) participated in the study at different time points, undergoing active and passive recovery protocols following a 10x20 m repeated sprint protocol. Before the application of the recovery protocols, participants' body height (BU), body weight (VA), body mass index (BMI), shot speed (ŞH), 20 m sprint time (SS), and resting lactate (LA) levels were measured. Active and passive recovery protocols were performed randomly at a 48-hour interval. In the active recovery protocol, participants were instructed to perform low-intensity running at 50% of their 20 m sprint speed for 20 seconds. In the passive recovery protocol, participants gradually reduced their speed after crossing the finish line and walked back to the starting point at a light pace. Throughout the 10x20 m repeated sprint protocol, heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and sprint times (SS) were monitored. Immediately after the protocols, shot speed (ŞH) and lactate (LA) measurements were taken. According to the study findings, no statistically significant differences were observed (p>0.05) between active and passive recovery groups in terms of pre-test shot speed (ŞH), resting lactate (LA), total sprint time (TSS), and RPE (1-7). However, statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were found in post-test shot speed (ŞH), post-protocol lactate (LA), 5-minute post-protocol lactate (LA), sprint time at the 9th repetition (SS9), mean heart rate (HR), and RPE at repetitions 8, 9, and 10. Based on these results, passive recovery has more favourable effects on fatigue than active recovery in female football players following a 10x20 m repeated sprint protocol. In conclusion, recovery strategies play a critical role in maintaining performance consistency during football matches and may contribute to the optimal regulation of physical activities. Keywords: Active recovery, passive recovery, football, repeated sprint.