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Recovery from exercise-induced fatigue is crucial for subsequent performance. Self-myofascial release (SMR) using a foam roller is an alternative to active recovery (AR). This study aims to compare the effects of passive recovery (PR), AR, and SMR on blood lactate [La-] removal and total quality of recovery (TQR). Twenty-two well trained male athletes (age: 22.6±2.9 years) underwent three testing sessions conducted 72 hours apart but at the same time of each day in a randomized order. After determining resting [La-] and heart rate (HR), the subjects completed a Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT), triggering muscular fatigue. HR and [La-] were measured threeminutes after the WAnT, following which the subjects underwent one of the three different recovery interventions over 15 minutes: PR (lying supine), AR (cycling at 40% of the estimated maximum HR of the respective subject), and SMR (using foam roller on lower extremity muscles). After each recovery intervention, [La-], HR, and TQR were measured. There was no statistically significant difference in [La-] and HR values obtained before the WAnT test (p=0.368, p=0.691, respectively) and right after the WAnT test (0.264, p=0.629) Both AR and SMR were more effective than PR for [La-] removal and obtaining a higher TQR (p<0.001). However, SMR and AR were not superior to one another for blood [La-] removal (p>0.05). In contrast, a significantly higher TQR was observed with SMR than AR and PR (p<0.001). Athletes can apply AR or SMR to recover from strenuous exercise. SMR can be an alternative to PR and AR as a recovery tool.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 6-week exercises performed by elastic resistance band on functional performance (balance, agility, hand grip strength and flexibility) in children aged 8-9 years. So, 102 students participated in this study according to pre-test and post-test design. Participants were divided into two groups: experimental group (n=50, height: 134.0 ± 6.3 cm, mass: 30.9 ± 7.9 kg, age: 8.6 ± 0.5 years) and control group (n=52, height: 135.0 ± 6.2 cm, mass: 32.4 ± 5.9 kg, age: 8.6 ± 0.6 years). The experimental group performed exercises using elastic resistance bands of lightness grade at the same time of day (45 minutes/day, 3 days/week), and the control group did not participate in any physical activity. Balance was measured by Flamingo Test, agility by Ilinois, flexibility by sit and reach box and strength was measured by hand-grip dynamometer. It was determined that 6-week exercises performed by elastic resistance band increased significantly the hand grip strength; however there was no statistically significant effect on balance, agility and flexibility abilities.The inclusion of elastic resistance band exercises in the context of school activity programs can improve children's strengths. For this reason, exercises performed by elastic resistance bands for more than 6 weeks can be added to activity programs in school as an economical, fun and reliable way to improve the hand-grip performance of children.

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The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks Pilates exercises on functional and cognitive performance in elderly people which are living in an elderly care center. Forty three elderly were randomly allocated either to Pilates group (PG, n= 21; mean age, 72.8 ± 7.84 years), which performed three session of Pilates per week for 12 weeks, or to control group (CG, n= 22; mean age, 77.7 ± 7.25 years), which no performed any exercise is except from daily works. Participants tested to handgrip strength, Berg balance scale, Functional reach test and Mini Mental State Examination Test before and after the 12 weeks of exercise. Finally, PG demonstrated improvement in all variables. However, CG has no improvement any variables. Pilates exercises led to significant improvement in functional and cognitive performance. Therefore, elderly people can apply a well-structured Pilates exercise program under Pilates instructor and physiotherapist.