Impact of recovery strategies on physiological and performance parameters in karate athletes: a randomized crossover study

Abstract

Purpose Karate training and competition are characterized by high intensity efforts with short recovery periods that typically cause muscle fatigue and functional capacity impairments. This study aimed to examine the effects of different recovery strategies on physiological, tensiomyographic, and physical fitness parameters at pre, post, 0 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after a high-demanding Karate Specific Aerobic Test (KSAT). Methods Eleven well-trained male karate players (mean ± SD: age: 24 ± 7 years old; weight: 70.3 ± 12.5 kg; height: 174.5 ± 8.7 cm) completed three recovery treatments in three different weeks: cold water immersion (CWI), intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) and passive recovery (Control). The test battery included measurements of creatine kinase (CK), counter movement jump (CMJ), ballistic push-ups, Sprint time, hand grip strength; and tensiomyographic parameters. Results Significant improvements in almost all variables over time, regardless of the recovery strategy used, were identified; only a few differences among recovery methods. The use of CWI significantly improved CMJ (p = 0.04; d = 0.98) and push-ups (p = 0.03; d = 1.03) respect to IPC method at 0 h-treatment. In addition, significantly lower rectus femoris TS was also observed right after the application of CWI (0 h-treatment) compared to other strategies (p < 0.05). Conclusions The use of alternative treatments in substitution to passive recovery, especially CWI, might be recommended taking into consideration resources, accessibility and time constrains when high levels of DOMS or reduced functional capacity are identified.