Comparison of self-selected recovery methods on lactic acid removal rates

The purpose of this study was to compare lactic acid removal rates during three modes of recovery from a standardized exercise bout. Each subject (N = 6) completed a 1 mile run (92.2 +/- 3.7% Vo2max). Thereafter, lactic acid removal rates were compared in the runners at each of three different modes of recovery: a) rest; b) a self-selected, continuous jogging pace (free-jogging); and c) completely uncontrolled recovery (free-intermittent) normally practiced by athletes. Venous blood samples were taken immediately after the mile run and every 5 min thereafter for 20 min. Data were expressed relative to the initial post-exercise blood sample (100%). Lactic acid removal was significantly faster during the free-jogging recovery than during the free-intermittent and the resting recoveries (P less than 0.001). Removal rates during the free-intermittent recovery were significantly faster than during the resting recovery (P less than 0.001). The results indicated that nearly optimal lactic acid removal rates were attained during the free-jogging recovery.