Effect of led therapy on the muscular recovery after high-intensity interval training session

Abstract

The high-intensity interval training (HIT) has been suggested with a valid method to improve the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and the performance. However, the excessively HIT sessions and inadequate recovery interval can lead to an increase in muscle inflammatory response, decreased performance and the propensity to syndromes associated with overtraining. In this regard, the LED (Light-emitting diodes) therapy has been suggested as an alternative method for muscle recovery, given their anti-inflammatory, regenerative and analgesic properties. However, its effect on chronic and acute inflammatory variables and muscle damage markers after HIT sessions in humans has not been well described. Thus, the aim of this project is to investigate the effectiveness of LED therapy after HIT session in cycle ergometer on the inflammatory responses, markers of muscle damage and performance. For this, three studies will be conducted: the first study aims to evaluate the effect of LED therapy applied immediately after HIT session on inflammatory responses, muscle injury markers and perceived muscle soreness. Study 2 aims to compare the same markers of study 1 with LED therapy intervention and cold-water immersion. The study 3 aims to evaluate the chronic effect (4 days) of LED therapy on inflammatory variables, muscle injury markers, perceived muscle soreness, VO2max and performance. In all studies HIT session will be composed of four maximum efforts in cycle ergometer lasting 30 s (Wingate) interspersed with a passive recovery 4 minutes. After the HIT sessions are applied the LED therapy (quadriceps muscles and biceps femoris muscles of both legs) or LED placebo (LED mode off) (study 1 and 3), LED therapy or cold-water immersion (10 minutes of partial immersion at 10 ° C) (study 2). (AU)