Background: The body's anatomical position can influence the autonomic response to return to homeostasis following high intensity exercise. Discrepancies exist as to which body position is considered optimal and practical. This study intends to examine three recovery positions post submaximal exercise to determine which body position would be the most efficient in terms of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption and heart rate recovery.
Methods: NCAA Division I athletes (N.=17) from multiple sport teams completed three submaximal exercise tests utilizing the Bruce Protocol. Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption and heart rate recovery were measured at peak exercise and at 1-, 5-, and 10-minute time intervals during the recovery phase while assuming a recovery position: supine, trunk forward leaning, and standing vertical.
Results: Statistical analysis showed the 1-minute excess post-exercise oxygen consumption associated with supine recovery (1725±348 mL/kg) was significantly greater than standing vertical (1578±340 mL/kg, P=0.024). At 5 minutes, supine excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (3557±760 mL/kg) was significantly less than trunk forward leaning (4054±777 mL/kg, P=0.0001) and trunk forward leaning was significantly greater than standing vertical (3776±700 mL/kg, P=0.008). At 10 minutes, supine excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (5246±961 mL/kg) was significantly less than both the standing vertical position (5878±1042 mL/kg, P=0.0099), and the trunk forward leaning position (6749±1223 mL/kg, P<0.0001). Supine had the highest heart rate recovery at 1-, 5-, and 10-minutes post exercise.
Conclusions: The supine position proved to be the most optimal during the 10-minute recovery period, while the trunk forward leaning position showed to be a more advantageous position for short-term recovery.