The Effects of Different Types of Post-Exercise Recovery on Pain and Muscle Fatigue Substances in Fin Swimmers

This study aimed to investigate effects of different post-exercise recovery strategies on muscle fatigue markers and perceived pain in elite fin swimmers. The study participants consisted of 14 male and female fin swimmers registered with the Underwater and Fin Swimming Association. Each participant underwent a crossover analysis measuring the effects of no treatment, cryotherapy, and foam rolling relaxation methods, with a two-week interval between each condition. The exercise protocol consisted of five repetitions of 60-meter high-intensity interval swims with two minutes of rest between repetitions. Blood lactate and ammonia were measured as biochemical markers of muscle fatigue, and subjective pain perception was assessed using standardized scales. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 25.0, employing One-Way ANOVA, Two-Way ANOVA with repeated measures, and Least Significant Difference (LSD) tests to detect significant differences among recovery methods. Results showed both cryotherapy and foam roller relaxation significantly reduced blood lactate and ammonia compared to the no treatment condition. Additionally, these recovery modalities notably alleviated pain perception, suggesting enhanced recovery efficacy. The findings highlight the practical application of cryotherapy and foam rolling as effective recovery interventions to accelerate physiological and perceptual recovery post high-intensity fin swimming, potentially improving athletic performance and minimizing the risk of injury.