Effects on CK, RPE, VAS Scale and Physical Performance of Three Recovery Methods in Elite Basketball Players

Acute Effects on Creatine Kinase, Perceived Fatigue and Physical Performance of Different Post-Exercise Recovery Methods in Elite Basketball Players: A Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of cold water intermittent ion (CWI), carbohydrate and protein supplementation (SUPPL), and active recovery (ACT) on creatine kinase (CK), perceptual and performance markers of recovery in elite basketball players after a specific fatigue protocol.

Fifteen elite basketball players participated in this crossover controlled trial. All participants were randomly measured in 4 conditions of the recovery method 1 week apart after a fatigue exercise protocol (~ 45 'of high intensity intermittent effort with specific basketball movements). The recovery methods consist of CWI at 10oC in periods of 2 minutes submerged and 2 minutes out of the water, supplementation with 0.3gr / kg of maltodextrin and 0.2gr / kg of neutral whey protein in 0.5 liters of water, pedaling ACT for 25 minutes at 50% of maximum heart rate or a placebo drink (PLA). The Visual Analogue Fatigue Scale (VAS), Perceived Exercise Rate (RPE), CK and physical performance (jumping, speed, isometric and dynamic tests of resistance to squats) were measured before, after and 24 hours after of the protocol. The VAS scale and RPE were also measured immediately after application of the recovery method. Repeated 2-way post-hoc comparisons of ANOVA and Bonferroni measures were applied, with a significance set at P <0.05.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having at least 10 years of sports practice,
• Having been training during the season a minimum of four times a week,
• Not having suffered serious or minor but recently injuries,
• Having competed and trained regularly in the previous season.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Suffering an injury during the study period
• Not having gone through all the treatment groups (CWI, carbohydrate-protein supplementation, active recovery and placebo)