The primary objective was to assess and compare the recovery dynamics of post-aerobic exercise between amateur athletes and non-athletes, aiming to determine if the level of physical activity of the non-athletes is enough for the expected fitness and perhaps health benefits. The non-athletes are essentially active, participating in aerobic exercises a minimum of twice a week.
Forty-eight male participants (24 amateur athletes, 24 non-athletes) aged 22-32 underwent a standardized aerobic exercise session (cycled at 70 percent maximum heart rate on an ergometer till self-perceived exertion). Physiological markers (lactic acid clearance, heart rate recovery (HRR), perceived exertion, peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and blood pressure (BP) adjustments) were measured at rest, 5 minutes post-exercise, and fully rested stages. Statistical analyses compared differences between the two groups.
No significant difference in lactic acid concentration at rest was found between groups. However, athletes exhibited significantly lower lactic acid levels at 5 minutes rest post exercise (p 0.01), indicating more efficient clearance, but no difference at full recovery. Athletes had faster HRR at all recovery stages (p 0.01), reflecting superior cardiovascular fitness and autonomic regulation. Perceived exertion levels were similar between groups, suggesting that psychological factors could influence subjective fatigue assessment. SpO2 levels showed no significant differences at any recovery stage, indicating comparable oxygen delivery and utilization efficiency. Systolic BP was significantly lower in athletes at fully rested stages (p 0.05), while no significant differences were observed in diastolic BP and time taken to recover fully.
The study demonstrates that amateur athletes have more efficient initial recovery processes post-aerobic exercise, characterized by faster lactic acid clearance and HRR underscoring the potential benefit of regular training on cardiovascular and metabolic functions. However, the nil difference in the recovery time before the values return to baseline suggests no significant physiological adaptation among amateur athletes. This could imply that the physical activity level maintained by non-athletes for maintaining healthy living has a significant physiological effect that constitutes no statistical difference between them and amateur athletes.
These results suggest that regular aerobic exercise significantly benefits individuals (non-athletes) by enhancing cardiovascular health, improving recovery processes, managing blood pressure, and reducing perceived fatigue. Consistent exercise routines yield comparable health benefits to those of amateur athletes, promoting overall well-being and injury prevention.
recovery dynamics
lactic acid clearance
