Active recovery counteracts the post-exercise rise in plasma-free fatty acids

The present study investigated the effect of active recovery (AR) as compar ed to rest recovery (RR) upon FFA concentrations following moderate- (MI) o r high-intensity (HI) running. Fourteen well-trained males (23.7 +/- 6 year s, VO2max = 69.5 +/- 1.8ml (.) min(-1) kg(-l)) were randomly assigned into two trials (HI = 30 min at 82% of V(over dot)O-2max; MI = 60 min at 75% of V(over dot)O-2max). Within each group, the subject completed two sets of ex periments of running followed by either AR (15 min running at 50% of V(over dot)O-2max) or RR (complete rest in the supine position). Plasma volume ch anges after the exercise did not deviate between the AR or RR trials. In bo th the HI and MI trials, AR resulted in lower FFA peaks and lower overall F FA concentrations while performing AR (p < .05). However, upon discontinuin g AR, there was arise in the FFA concentration. At 120-min post-exercise, t he EFA concentrations after AR and RR were not significantly different. The changes in the FFk/albumin ratio were similar to the FFA responses. It is concluded that AR may counteract the rise in FFA 5-15 minutes after exercis e.