Street running has become an increasingly popular sport. As a result, effective recovery strategies after exercise are essential. In this context, two techniques stand out: one already validated, active recovery (AR), and another with potential, blood flow restriction (BFR). This study aims to investigate whether using both techniques simultaneously can benefit practitioners and improve outcomes compared to complete rest.
This randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of combining active recovery (AR) and blood flow restriction (BFR) on post-exercise recovery in amateur runners. Thirty-four healthy male participants aged 18-40 years, who run at a pace faster than 5:30 min/km, will be stratified based on their performance in the 3-minute all-out running test and randomly assigned to one of three groups: AR with BFR, AR alone, or passive rest (control). All participants will undergo baseline assessments, followed by a muscle stress protocol, the assigned recovery strategy, and follow-up evaluations immediately, and at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours post-exercise. Outcomes include heart rate variability (via RR intervals), muscle soreness (Numeric Rating Scale), recovery perception and discomfort (Likert scale), effort (Borg CR-10), cellular integrity (bioelectrical impedance), pain threshold (pressure algometer), muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity (myotonometry), muscle power (Squat Jump test), plantar flexor strength (digital dynamometer), and maximal aerobic capacity (3-minute test). Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA, with significance set at p\<0.05. Participants will be duly informed about the procedures and objectives of this study, and after agreeing, they will sign an informed consent form, effectively becoming part of it. In the consent form, participants will be asked if they agree to the use of their data if they choose to withdraw from the study. Participants will also be asked for permission for the research team to share relevant data with people at universities participating in the research or regulatory authorities, where relevant. The study will be sent for consideration and approval to the Research Ethics Committee of FCT/UNESP, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
10-minute active recovery protocol performed with blood flow restriction using a pneumatic cuff set at 60% of the participant's total occlusion pressure.
10-minute active recovery protocol.
Franciele Marques Vanderlei
Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
RECRUITINGIsometric strength of the triceps surae
The isometric peak torque of the triceps surae will be measured using a digital handheld dynamometer (DD-300, Instrutherm). Participants will lie in a prone position with the knee flexed at 90°, foot dorsiflexed, and will be instructed to push maximally against the dynamometer. Three attempts will be performed with a 1-minute rest interval. The highest value will be used for analysis.
Time frame: Change from baseline at 96 hours after exercise
Aerobic capacity
Aerobic capacity will be evaluated using a 3-minute all-out running test (TM3) on a non-motorized treadmill. After a 5-minute warm-up at 7 km/h, participants will run at maximal effort for 3 minutes. Power and velocity outputs will be recorded by the treadmill's sensors and used to calculate critical power (CP) and critical velocity (CV).
Time frame: Change from baseline at 96 hours after exercise
Lower limb muscle power
Muscle power will be assessed through the Squat Jump test using a contact platform (Multisprint). Participants will begin in a 90° knee flexion position (verified with a goniometer), with hands on hips, and will perform a vertical jump without countermovement. Variables to be analyzed will include jump height, modified reactive strength index, jump power, and take-off moment.
Time frame: Change from baseline at 96 hours after exercise
Muscle soreness and pain threshold
Muscle soreness will be assessed using a Numeric Pain Rating Scale (0-10). Pain threshold will be measured with a pressure algometer (FPX 50/220; Wagner) at four sites: biceps femoris, rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius. Measurements will be recorded in kgf and will not exceed 2.55 kgf.
Time frame: Change from baseline at 96 hours after exercise
Perceived exertion, recovery, and discomfort
Perceived exertion, recovery, and discomfort will be measured using the Borg CR-10 scale (0-10). Participants will rate: (1) exertion as whole-body effort, (2) discomfort as muscular sensations in the lower limbs, and (3) recovery as general physical and psychological recovery. Values will be individually recorded at each time point.
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Masking
NONE
Enrollment
34
Time frame: Change from baseline at 96 hours after exercise
Myotonometry
Muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity will be measured using the MyotonPRO device. The probe will be positioned perpendicularly over the following sites: biceps femoris, rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius. The device will apply a 0.18 N pre-load and a 0.40 N impulse to induce tissue oscillation for measurement.
Time frame: Change from baseline at 96 hours after exercise
Bioelectrical impedance analysis
Bioimpedance will be measured using a tetrapolar device (BIA Analyzer, 50 kHz, 800 µA). Electrodes will be positioned on the biceps femoris, rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius. Analyzed variables will include resistance (R), reactance (Xc), phase angle (PhA), and tolerance ellipse, via Bioscan software.
Time frame: Change from baseline at 96 hours after exercise
Heart rate variability (HRV)
HRV will be assessed using a validated monitor (Polar V800). RR intervals will be collected at rest (10 minutes), during a 10-km run, and post-intervention (60 minutes). On other days, collections will last 20 minutes. Participants will be instructed to avoid stimulants during data collection.
Time frame: Change from baseline at 96 hours after exercise