Abstract
Background: Post-exercise recovery strategies are commonly recommended to accelerate physiological restoration, reduce neuromuscular fatigue, and limit delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). However, adherence among amateur runners is inconsistent, and the consequences of omitting recovery remain unclear. Objective: To investigate the residual effects of post-exercise recovery omission on neuromuscular fatigue, recovery status, and short-term performance capacity in an amateur runner. Methods: A recreationally trained runner completed two post-exercise conditions in a randomized crossover design following a regular 2-hour running practice session: (A) a 10-minute structured recovery protocol consisting of low-intensity walking or jogging and static stretching, and (B) recovery omission with abrupt cessation of activity. Conditions were separated by a washout period. Immediate measures included heart rate recovery (HRR), blood pressure, oxygen saturation, sit-and-reach flexibility, and resting heart rate. Delayed-onset muscle soreness was assessed 24 and 48 hours post-exercise using a visual analogue scale. Results: Recovery omission produced higher DOMS scores at 48 hours. Flexibility was reduced, and resting heart rate remained elevated compared with the structured recovery condition, indicating delayed neuromuscular and autonomic recovery. Conclusion: Recovery omission resulted in greater neuromuscular fatigue and impaired short-term performance capacity. These findings highlight the importance of structured recovery practices for amateur runners and warrant confirmation in larger controlled studies.
Description
This study investigates the effects of omitting post-exercise recovery on fatigue and performance in amateur runners.