Effects of Post-Match Foam Rolling, Static Stretching, and Passive Rest on Acute Cardiac-Autonomic, Hemodynamic, and Neuromuscular Recovery in National Wrestlers

This study investigates the acute effects of three practical post-match recovery strategies-foam rolling (FR), static stretching (SS), and passive rest (PR)-on cardiac-autonomic, hemodynamic, and neuromuscular recovery in national-level male wrestlers following a maximal-effort freestyle wrestling match. Wrestling involves high-intensity intermittent actions that substantially elevate cardiovascular and metabolic stress, often requiring athletes to recover rapidly between multiple matches during tournaments. Despite the importance of rapid short-term recovery, limited research has examined accessible, equipment-free recovery methods that can be applied within competition settings.

The study uses a randomized controlled crossover design in which each participant completes all three recovery protocols on separate days. Following a standardized warm-up and a maximal 2×3-min wrestling match, participants perform one of the three 9-min recovery interventions. FR and SS target the same major muscle groups of the lower limbs and upper posterior chain. PR consists of lying supine without movement. Heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure (BP), and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance are assessed at four time points: pre-match, immediately post-match, immediately post-recovery, and 10 minutes post-recovery.

HRV is recorded using a validated chest-strap heart rate monitor and analyzed with Kubios HRV software to obtain Mean-RR, RMSSD, and SDNN as indicators of cardiac-autonomic modulation. Hemodynamic recovery is evaluated through automated brachial systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure measurements. Neuromuscular recovery is assessed through CMJ height and estimated peak power using an Optojump system and the Sayers equation. All measurements are performed under controlled environmental conditions and standardized protocols.

The study includes national-level freestyle wrestlers with at least five years of competitive experience and no recent injuries or cardiovascular contraindications. A priori power analysis determined that 16 participants provide adequate power (>80%) to detect meaningful differences. All participants complete familiarization before the experimental visits, and all match and recovery protocols follow official wrestling competition procedures.

The primary purpose of this study is to compare whether FR or SS can enhance cardiac-autonomic or hemodynamic recovery relative to PR without compromising neuromuscular performance. Secondary aims include identifying whether either modality facilitates parasympathetic reactivation or BP normalization during the first 10 minutes following completion of the recovery protocol. The findings may inform coaches, sport scientists, and athletes about the practicality and acute effectiveness of common recovery practices used during wrestling tournaments.

Inclusion criteria

• being freestyle wrestlers,
• holding an active wrestling license for at least 5 years
• possessing at least a C-level National Athlete Certificate (having represented Turkey in at least one international senior wrestling tournament organized by United World Wrestling),
• having trained regularly for the last 12 months,
• having had no injuries in the past 12 months.

Exclusion criteria

• having any cardiovascular health issues
• using medications or substances affecting the respiratory or cardiovascular system
• using ergogenic dietary supplements (e.g., creatine, caffeine)
• having a resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg