The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of three different recovery strategies-sports massage (SM), static stretching (SS), and passive rest (PR)-on physiological and neuromuscular recovery in adolescent male judokas. Additionally, the study investigates the role of diurnal variation (morning vs. evening sessions) on recovery performance. Thirteen competitive adolescent judokas participated in a randomized crossover design. Recovery was assessed using physiological markers such as heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (La-) levels, as well as neuromuscular performance through countermovement jump (CMJ) and medicine ball throw tests. The findings aim to identify the most effective recovery modality for young athletes to optimize performance and prevent overtraining during intensive training or competition schedules.
This study employed a randomized, crossover experimental design to evaluate the efficacy of different recovery modalities in adolescent judokas. Participants underwent three distinct recovery protocols-Sports Massage (SM), Static Stretching (SS), and Passive Rest (PR)-following a standardized high-intensity exercise bout designed to induce fatigue. Each recovery session lasted 15 minutes. To account for the influence of circadian rhythms, the protocols were conducted during both morning (08:00-10:00) and evening (17:00-19:00) sessions, with a minimum of 48 hours between sessions to ensure full recovery. Physiological recovery was monitored through blood lactate concentration (La-) and heart rate (HR) measurements taken at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and at specific intervals during the recovery period. Neuromuscular performance was assessed through the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test to measure lower-body power and the Medicine Ball Throw test for upper-body explosive strength. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the recovery rates and performance maintenance across the three modalities and two diurnal time points.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
13
A 10-minute sports massage protocol was applied to the major muscle groups of the lower and upper body, specifically those involved in judo movements, to facilitate recovery.
A 10-minute static stretching session involving major muscle groups. Each stretch was held for a duration consistent with clinical standards to the point of mild discomfort
Participants rested quietly in a seated position for 10 minutes in a neutral environment, with no physical activity or external stimulation.
Inonu University, Faculty of Sport Sciences
Malatya, Malatya, Turkey (Türkiye)
blood lactate concentration
Lactate levels were measured to assess the physiological recovery of the participants after judo-specific tasks.
Time frame: Measured at 4 time points: Baseline (before exercise), immediately after exercise, 5 minutes after recovery protocol, and 10 minutes after recovery protocol.
Countermovement jump height
Measured in centimeters to assess lower-body explosive power and neuromuscular fatigue
Time frame: Baselibe (pre-post) and after 10-minute recovery period
Handgrip strength
measured in kilograms using a hand dynamometer for both dominant and non-dominant hands to assess upper-body strength
Time frame: Baseline (pre-test) and after the 10-minute recovery period
Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion
Subjective assessment of effort using the 6-20 Borg scale
Time frame: Immediately after the judo match
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.