Afif Rusdiawan, Achmad Widodo, Ahmad Lani, Cemal Özman, Ardo Yulpiko Putra, Nugroho Susanto, Rizky Aris Munandar, Muhammad Firdaus Kafrawi, Farizha Irmawati
Background. High-intensity intermittent sports increase blood lactate levels and inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), which may hinder recovery and performance. Effective recovery strategies are crucial for enhancing lactate clearance and regulating inflammation. Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 15-minute ice compression and sport massage interventions during halftime on athletes’ lactate clearance and IL-6 levels. Materials and Methods. Thirty-six male soccer players, aged 18 to 24 years, were randomly assigned to one of three groups for this experimental study: ice compression (IC, n = 12), sport massage (SM, n = 12), and passive recovery (PR, n = 12). Each participant completed a standardized exercise regimen designed to induce fatigue. The PR group rested passively after the workout, while the intervention groups received a massage or ice compression for 15 minutes. Blood lactate and IL-6 levels were assessed before exercise (T0), immediately after (T1), and fifteen minutes post-exercise (T2). To analyse the differences observed, a mixed-model ANOVA and post-hoc tests (Bonferroni/Games-Howell) were performed. Results. According to the results obtained, the lactate levels (IC: ΔT1-T2 =-2.34 ± 0.96 mmol/L, d = 2.209; SM: ΔT1-T2 =-1.39 ± 0.79 mmol/L, d = 0.829) and IL-6 levels (IC: ΔT1-T2 =-1.44 ± 0.93 pg/mL, d = 1.206; SM: ΔT1-T2 =-1.58 ± 0.63 pg/mL, d = 1.645) were both significantly lower than PR (p < 0.05). Although IC and SM exhibited similar anti-inflammatory effects (p = 0.898), IC demonstrated superior lactate clearance compared to SM (p = 0.023, d =-1.081). PR showed only minimal decreases in both biomarkers. Conclusions. Massage and ice compression effectively enhance lactate clearance after high-intensity exercise, with massage offering additional benefits in reducing IL-6-mediated inflammation. These findings support massage as an excellent recovery method for athletes requiring immediate physiological repair following exertion. © Rusdiawan, A., Widodo, A., Lani, A., Özman, C., Putra, A. Y., Susanto, N., Munandar, R. A., Kafrawi, M. F., & Irmawati, F., 2025.
Department of Sport Science, Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Lidah Wetan Street, Lidah Wetan, Lakarsantri, East Java, Surabaya City, 60213, Indonesia; Department of Physical Education Health and Recreation, Faculty of Exact Sciences and Sports, Universitas Insan Budi Utomo, Citandui street No.46, Purwantoro, Blimbing District, East Java, Malang City, 65126, Indonesia; Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bartin University, Bartın University Ağdacı Yerleşkesi Merkez/Bartın, 74100, Turkey; Department of Sports and Health Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Pasir Pengaraian, Tuanku Tambusai Kumu Street, Rambah Hilir District, Rokan Hulu Regency, Riau, Rambah Village, 28558, Indonesia; Department of Sport Science, Faculty of Sports Science, Universitas Negeri Padang, Prof. Dr. Hamka street, Air Tawar Bar., North Padang District, West Sumatra, Padang City, 25171, Indonesia; Department of Physical Education Health and Recreation, STKIP Yapis Dompu, STKIP Yapis Dompu street, No. 1, Saleko, Sorisakolo, Dompu, West Nusa Tenggara, 84213, Indonesia
