RUGBY – Recovery testing (Creatine Kinase levels)
Waikato Rugby Club N.Z.
The effect of 4 Recovery techniques post competitive rugby matches on plasma creatine kinase. N.Gill. Study compiled from data obtained from investigation by Nicholas Gill PhD, Senior Lecturer, Exercise Physiology and Physical Conditioning Centre, Sport and Exercise Science, Waikato Institute of Technology – Head Conditioning Trainer for Waikato Chiefs and Waikato Rugby. Data in Fig1 and Fig 2 included as supplied.
Findings. Over 24 hours post match the best reduction in concentration percentage of CK was by donning Skins for 4 hours post match which showed a reduction of 29.33%, with active recovery at 25.37% and hot and cold emersion baths at 23.18%. Passive recovery showed a 6.69% improvement of CK levels at 24 hours. At 72 hours, active recovery increased overall to have the best 72hour reduction of CK concentration of 47.13%. Wearing Skins for 4 hours post game showed a reduction of 37.18% and emersion hot and cold baths post game was slightly behind with 35.37%. Passive recovery only showed a reduction at 72 hours of 16.66%. Donning Skins post game showed the best results at 24 hours, particularly where matches are not played at home with ability to undertake either an appropriate warm-down or emersion bathing. Further studies are being carried out to evaluate the effect of Skins and active recovery and with emersion baths. Methods. After four competition matches players from Waikato Rugby Club were tested by blood sampling for serum Creatine Kinase levels (CK) and four different methods of recovery were undertaken. The recovery process included active recovery (AR) of 45 minutes duration of light running, walking and stretching exercises; passive recovery (PR) where no activity but rest was undertaken post match and for the next 72 hours; Hot and Cold emersion baths (HCB) and donning Skins long compression tights (Skins) for four hours post match. CK levels were taken pregame after warm-up, post game, then at 24 hours and again at 72 hours post game. Results. Testing was carried out randomly on players not reporting injury post match. Players did not report any symptoms likely to give rise to elevated CK levels from any existing medical condition. Study 4 Waikato Rugby continued page –2-
Active recovery (n=6) involved walking, light running and stretching for a period of 45 minutes and then warm showers. No further periods of active recovery were undertaken for the next 72 hours. The pregame serum CK levels were around (1000 IU/L) after warm up. (In fact on each of the four matches the pregame serum Creatine Kinase levels were similar 950-1080 IU/L). Post-game the CK levels showed (2219 IU/L). The 24-hour levels were (1659 IU/L) a reduction of 25.37% over post game concentrations and 72 hours showed (946 IU/L) a reduction of 47.13%. Only 6 subjects were chosen as significant data had already been obtained relating to active recovery and this group were used as a control group with results similar to previous data obtained. Passive recovery (n=13) involved no post match warm-down with a warm shower and then no further activity for 72 hours. Pregame CK after warm-up was around (1000 IU/L). The post game CK was (2142 IU/L). At 24 hours the CK was (1981 IU/L) a reduction of 6.69% and at 72 hours (1803 IU/L) a reduction of 16.66%. Skins recovery (n=18) involved donning SportSkins compression garments (ankle to waist with active compression value of 12mmHg to 5mmHg) were worn for four hours during travel post match. The Post game CK concentration was (2142.22 IU/L) At 24 hours CK levels were (1505 IU/L) a reduction of 29.33% over post game levels and at 72 hours (1137.94 IU/L) a reduction of 37.18%. Emersion baths of hot water at 28c and cold water at 8c were used with the players (n=15) having several emersions post match. Post game CK levels from this match were slightly lower than other matches at (1812 IU/L). At 24 hours the CK was (1377 IU/L) a reduction of 23.28% and at 72 hours the CK was (1172 IU/L) a reduction of 35.37%. Conclusions Conclusions drawn from data is that it is donning Skins showed the best 24-hour improvement in reducing CK levels post match. Active recovery was the best result over 72 hours with Skins and emersion therapy second. Skins can provide effective recovery therapy particularly when playing away and it can be expected that better results can be obtained if skins are worn during and after active recovery and or after emersion therapy. Figs 1 and 2 below show detail of reductions in CK concentrations as well as CK levels at the four testing points.
FIG 1 RELATIVE CK SUMMARY FOR REDUCTION OF CK CONCENTRATION
Decrease in CK concentration (%) following match
70
60
50
40
HotCold n=15 Passive n=13 Skins n=18 Active n=6
30
20
10
0 CK 24 hr post
CK 72 hr post
Time of Sample
FIG 2 CK CONCENTRATIONS 3500
Creatine Kinase Concentration
3000
2500
2000
HotCold n=15 Passive n=13 Active n=6 Skins n=18
1500
1000
500
0 Pre-Game CK
Post-Game CK
CK 24 hr post
Time
CK 72 hr post