SvFF questions impact of active recovery training

Swedish Football Association (SvFF) physiologist Helena Andersson has concluded that active recovery training between games does not have any significant physiological benefits for elite female players.

The study, part of Andersson's doctoral dissertation, was conducted on women from two elite teams that played two 90-minute games 72 hours apart. Between the matches, one group performed active recovery training while the other group rested. Tests were carried out throughout the process and the players' physiological markers were analysed.

"Contrary to my initial belief, we could not identify any difference between the groups," said Andersson. "The active recovery training had neither a positive nor a negative impact on the efficiency of recovery.

"Of course it should not be underestimated that players like some physical activity after games. It's possible that other measurements than those we used could prove the benefits. But the fact is there is as yet limited research to show that active recovery really does have an effect."

The study was undertaken at the University of Örebro and is available online under the title: The physiological impact of soccer on elite female players and the effects of active recovery training.