Effect of hot-water immersion and foam rolling on recovery in amateur sepaktakraw players

Abstract

Sepaktakraw athletes have an extremely high-risk ratio of injury to the lower body, especially the hamstring, when compared to sports like badminton and tennis. This study aims at measuring and comparing the recovery method of the hot-water immersion (HWI) and the foam rolling (FR) in the recovery process of Sepaktakraw athletes. Material and Methods: Overall, 18 Sepaktakraw players aged 18-20 years, who are members of the Sepaktakraw Club of Universitas Negeri Jakarta were involved in this study. 6 participants are randomly assigned to the HWI group, 6 players are assigned to join the FR group, and 6 players are assigned to join the passive recovery group (PR). Three of groups completed measurements pre-and post-recovery for blood lactate concentration and the total quality recovery (TQR). Blood lactate concentration was measured before, immediately, and 15 minutes after recovery. Meanwhile, the total quality recovery (TQR) is taken before the match starts and 15-min after each recovery method was completed. Results: ANOVA showed significant differences between the HWI and PR groups, as well as the FR and PR groups (p = 0.001). The post-TQR, ANOVA showed differences between the HWI and PR groups, as well as the FR and PR groups (p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed HWI and FR can reduce blood lactate levels better than the PR group at 15-m after each recovery process in Sepaktakraw athletes. On the other hand, this study shows that the TQR is an accurate predictor index in measuring the effectiveness and quality of a recovery method for Sepaktakraw athletes.