Effects of Yoga practice and immersion in cold water on blood lactic acid levels during recovery phase after Cunningham treadmill test in football players

Fatigue occurs during strenuous exercise in response to the accumulation of lactic acid in active muscles and blood.  The aim of this study was to compare two training methods (immersion in cold-water pond and yoga technique) on blood lactate during the return phase to the original state after a grueling exercise.

45 male soccer players were randomly divided into 3 equal groups and performed 15 minutes of recovery in cold-water immersion at 10 ° C and performing yoga techniques and passive rest (control) immediately after Cunningham intensive execise test. Blood lactate levels before, immediately, 5 minutes and 15 minutes after test in three the group was measured.

A significant increase in blood lactate levels immediately after exercise compared to baseline levels was observed in all groups (P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in blood lactate levels at 5 and 15 minutes of recovery compared to baseline levels in the two groups than control group (P<0.05). A significant decrease in blood lactate after 5 minutes in the immersed group and 15 minutes in the yoga group was more than the other groups.

Both methods are able to return the levels of blood lactate to the original state. However, the highest reduction in blood lactate was found at 5 min after immersing in pond of cold water, and at 15 min after the yoga practice.