Effects of intermittent negative pressure and active recovery therapies in the post-match period in elite soccer players: A randomized, parallel arm, comparative study

Abstract

SummaryStudy aim: This study compared the effects of intermittent negative pressure therapy (INPT) vs. active recovery therapy (ART) on post-match physiological parameters such as serum CK level and skin temperature of the lower limbs in elite soccer players.Material and methods: Twenty healthy male professional soccer players from a Brazilian first division soccer club were enrolled in this randomized, parallel arm, open label, comparative study. After participating in 2 soccer matches, they were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 10) to receive a 30-min session of INPT (intermittent exchange of hypobaric pressure range 33 to 51 mmHg) or ART (self-myofascial release, mobility and stability exercises, and cycle ergometer exercise). The intervention was conducted after a match with assessments immediately before and after the intervention and again 24 h after the intervention.Results: A significant interaction effect (F2,36 = 4.503, p = 0.018, η2 = 0.130) was observed, indicating that the decrease of CK from pre-intervention to 24 h post-intervention was greater in the INPT than in the ART group. Lower limb skin temperature was significantly lower after INPT than after ART (p < 0.003).Conclusions: Serum CK level and skin temperature of lower limbs showed better recovery up to 24 h after the intervention with INPT in elite soccer players.

The efficacy of intermittent pneumatic compression and negative pressure therapy on muscle function, soreness and serum indices of muscle damage: a randomized controlled trial

“…Similar results indicating a lack of IPC effect were found in previous research [ 27 , 28 , 32 ]. A significant difference in strength was observed by Fonda et al (2015), while van Rensburg et al (2017) and Maior et al (2020) did not compare strength in their studies [ 12 – 14 ]. Further research is required to determine whether and in what patient groups INP or IPC might be effective in muscle strength recovery in DOMS.…”

“…A recent study demonstrated a more significant CK decrease after INP than after active recovery therapy. However, the participants were not blinded, and therefore a placebo effect cannot be ruled out [ 14 ]. The study was also carried out on professional soccer players after playing a full match, making it difficult to compare results.…”

“…Studies conducted so far are not unequivocal regarding the effectiveness of using variable pressure methods, and its application is varied. INP may present an innovative form of recovery, but research on the topic is limited [ 12 – 14 ]. Despite the wide use of compression, there is a lack of clear evidence for the benefit of tissue perfusion improvement or any comparison of various available methods.…”

The effectiveness of active recovery (jogging and cycling) post-football match simulation on athletes' heart rate and fatigue levels

“…However, over time, many changes have occurred. Many studies state that active recovery is better used after exercise than passive recovery (Akagi et al, 2020;Lopes et al, 2014;Maior et al, 2020;Mika et al, 2016). However, one previous study stated that there was no difference in the effect between passive and active recovery after exercising.…”