Assessing recovery after high-intensity anaerobic exercise: a comparison between physiological and psychological measures

Drawing from established theories in environmental psychology, including Stress Reduction Theory and Attention Restoration Theory, which underscore the restorative potential of natural environments, we seek to understand the e>ects of restorative environments on athletic performance and health. This study will assess the reliability of psychological measures compared to physiological measures, examining the influence of exposure to restorative natural environments on athlete recovery following anaerobic exercise through a mixed design. Data collection is still ongoing in three di>erent countries: Italy, Spain and Denmark. Participants engage in anaerobic exercise on stationary bikes and are then exposed to a 3-minute video showing either a restorative natural environment or an urban non- restorative environment. The restorativeness of both videos was previously assessed on a di>erent sample. Pre and post-exercise measures encompass muscular, metabolic, and autonomic indices to comprehensively assess physiological responses. Psychological measures include core a>ect, perceived e>ort, state anxiety, psychological restoration and perceived restorativeness of the environment. Through rigorous experimental design and meticulous data collection, this study aims to elucidate whether exposure to restorative natural environments yields discernible impacts on physiological markers of recovery in athletes. Findings from this investigation will contribute to clarifying the e>ectiveness of psychological and physiological measures within the framework of studying the restorativeness benefits of natural environments on wellbeing and mental health. Furthermore, novel insights into the potential physiological benefits of restorative environments within the context of athletic recovery offer valuable implications for sports science and performance optimisation strategies.