Effect of Active Recovery Protocols on the Management of Symptoms Related to Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Systematic Review

Active recovery offers an efficient method to relieve delayed onset muscle soreness and recover from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). The main aim of this systematic review is to identify and compare different active recovery protocols after EIMD. Six databases were searched, and 17 eligible studies were selected. Results showed alleviation of soreness, prevention of muscle strength loss, improvement in flexibility, and a decrease in inflammation after one or more recovery protocols such as isolated muscle contractions, aqua exercise, yoga, and combined jogging and running. A better strategy should focus on prevention of symptoms after EIMD through a precise training periodization and adjustment of load used in exercises.
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Review Source Type: research