Feasibility of The Aqua-T-Relax Recovery Protocol On Blood Lactate Clearance and Subjective Fatigue in Cricketers.

Abstract

Objectives: Post-exercise recovery is critical for sustained athletic performance, yet evidence for aquatic relaxation interventions in cricket populations is sparse. This preliminary trial determined the feasibility, safety, and acute effects of the Aqua-T-Relax (ATR) protocol on blood lactate clearance and subjective fatigue in male cricketers compared with passive seated rest. Methods: Twenty-four male cricketers (18–30 years) were allocated to an ATR group (n = 12) receiving 15 minutes of thermoneutral aquatic immersion (32–34 °C) combined with a structured relaxation sequence, or a passive seated rest control group (n = 12). Fatigue was induced using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1. Blood lactate was measured with a portable analyser at immediate post-fatigue and at 5, 10, and 15 minutes. Subjective fatigue was assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI). Between-group comparisons used Welch’s unpaired t-test; effect sizes were reported as Cohen’s d. Results: All 24 participants completed the protocol (100% retention) with no adverse events. No between-group difference was observed for immediate post-fatigue lactate (p = 0.538), confirming matched metabolic stress. Significant differences favouring ATR emerged at 5 minutes (p = 0.045, d = −0.76), 10 minutes (p = 0.035, d = −0.80), and 15 minutes (p = 0.041, d = −0.76), all representing medium effect sizes. No significant between-group differences were observed for MFI scores at any time point. Conclusions: The Aqua-T-Relax protocol is feasible, safe, and produces significantly greater post-exercise blood lactate clearance than passive rest in male cricketers, with medium effect sizes. Subjective fatigue was unaffected, supporting a metabolic–perceptual dissociation. These data justify adequately powered randomised controlled trials comparing ATR with established active recovery modalities..