Abstract:
Prevention of overtraining has typically focused on
monitoring and adjusting training loads, while the
recovery period between training sessions remains largely
overlooked, except in relation to diet and sleep. Relaxation
practice following training is proposed to enhance
recovery, and thereby help prevent the overtraining
syndrome and related conditions. This study tested the
effects of a relaxation protocol on recovery of salivary
immunoglobulin-A. which is a first line of defense for
upper respiratory infections as well as an overtraining
marker, in 14 male swimmers (aged 18-22) during their
heaviest training period. Samples were collected pre- and
post- morning and afternoon training sessions over two
days. The relaxation intervention was introduced
following morning practice for half the swimmers on Day
1 and for the other half on Day 2. to permit between- and
within-participant comparisons. Modest improvements
were found following the relaxation condition compared
to controls. While preliminary results are promising.
questions remain regarding optimal techniques and timing
of practice, objective measures for relaxation, associated
measures related to recovery, and relationship to health
and performance.
