This study will examine how two recovery methods-pneumatic compression (PC) applied to the legs and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the head-help athletes recover after a 10-kilometer (10K) run. It also aims to find out which methods may help master athletes recover faster, maintain performance, and reduce the risk of injury. Men aged 40-55 who are trained long-distance runners can participate, provided they do not have medical conditions that prevent safe exercise or use of the recovery methods. Participants will run 10K and then receive one of the following interventions in a randomized order: tDCS, PC, tDCS + PC, or no intervention (control). Each participant will experience all conditions, with a one-week break between sessions. Measurements will be taken before the run, immediately after, and after the intervention, including heart rate variability, cognitive tests (Stroop Test), vertical jump, and maximal voluntary muscle contraction, during which muscle activity will be recorded using electromyography (EMG). Data will be analyzed to compare how each intervention affects recovery, including physical performance, cognitive function, and psychological state. The study will show which methods help master runners recover faster and more effectively, provide practical strategies to improve performance and reduce injury risk, and offer information on the separate and combined effects of tDCS and PC on recovery, which could help design age-specific recovery strategies for endurance athletes.
Age range
40 Years – 55 Years
Sex
MALE
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Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC)
Timeframe: Assessments will be performed immediately before the 10-kilometer run, immediately after completion of the 10-kilometer run, and immediately after the recovery intervention.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
Timeframe: Immediately before 10K run, immediately after 10K run, immediately after recovery intervention
Cognitive Performance: Stroop Test
Timeframe: Immediately before 10K run, immediately after 10K run, immediately after recovery intervention