This study compares the effects of 2 common recovery interventions performed shortly after an exhausting interval running session on running economy (RE) and biomechanics. Forty-eight well-trained male runners performed an exhaustive interval running protocol and an incremental treadmill test 24 hours later at 3 speeds: 12, 14, and 16 km/h. Subjects randomly received either massage, cold water immersion (CWI), or passive rest (control). Runners repeated the treadmill test 48 hours after the first test. A two-way mixed analysis of variance was performed comparing groups and testing times. The massage group had significantly better recovery than the control group at 14 km/h in RE (p < 0.05; partial-eta2 = 0.176) and greater stride height and angle changes at 16 km/h (p < 0.05; partial-eta2 = 0.166 and p < 0.05; partial-eta2 = 0.208, respectively). No differences were observed between the CWI and control groups. The massage group had greater stride height and angle changes at 16 km/h than the CWI group (p < 0.05; partial-eta2 = 0.139 and p < 0.05; partial-eta2 = 0.168, respectively). Moreover, differences in magnitude suggested moderate effects on RE (partial-eta2 = 0.076) and swing time (partial-eta2 = 0.110). These results suggest that massage intervention promotes faster recovery of RE and running biomechanics than CWI or passive rest.

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