Recovery training in cyclists: ergometric, hormonal and psychometric findings

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Recovery Strategies

Background:

• Intensive training (IT) can lead to fatigue and altered physiological and psychological states in athletes.
• Optimizing recovery is crucial for performance and preventing overtraining.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of 1-hour versus 3-hour daily low-intensity recovery cycling sessions over 4 days following a period of IT.
• To assess the impact of different recovery durations on physiological markers, mood states, and cycling performance.

Main Methods:

• A randomized cross-over study involving eleven athletes undergoing 13 days of IT.
• Four days of either 1-hour or 3-hour low-intensity cycling recovery.
• Laboratory testing included blood sampling, mood state assessments (POMS), graded cycling tests, and 30-minute time trials (TT) before IT, after IT, and post-recovery.

Main Results:

• Maximal heart rates and lactate concentrations decreased post-IT.
• 1-hour recovery returned parameters to pre-training levels, while 3-hour recovery (REC) caused further decreases in peak power output and maximal heart rates.
• Time trial performance was unaffected by IT or recovery protocols.
• 3-hour REC reduced exercise-induced hormonal responses (cortisol, ACTH, prolactin) but worsened POMS scores (fatigue, vigor).

Conclusions:

• 1-hour daily low-intensity cycling is more effective for recovery after intensive training than 3-hour sessions.
• Shorter recovery duration better restores physiological markers and mood states, supporting athlete well-being and readiness.