Stress reactivity to and recovery from a standardised exercise bout: a study of 31 runners practising relaxation techniques

Objective-To compare the efficacy in runners of two relaxation techniques w ith regard to exercise reactivity and recovery after exercise. Methods-Thirty one adult male runners were studied prospectively for six mo nths in three groups practising either meditation (n = 11) or autogenic tra ining (n = 11) or serving as controls (n = 10). Before and after the six mo nths relaxation intervention, indicators of reactivity to exercise and meta bolism after exercise (blood lactate concentration, heart rate (HR), and ox ygen consumption (V-O2)), were tested immediately after and 10 minutes afte r exercise. Resting HR was also assessed weekly at home during the trial. S tate anxiety was measured before and after the intervention. Results-After the relaxation training, blood lactate concentration after ex ercise was significantly (p<0.01) decreased in the meditation group compare d with the control group. No difference was observed in lactate responses b etween the autogenic training group and the control group. There were no si gnificant differences among the groups with regard to HR, V-O2, or levels o f anxiety. Conclusion-Meditation training may reduce the lactate response to a standar dised exercise bout.