Potassium and norepinephrine dynamics following exercise: the effects of active and passive recovery

Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2026

View at publisher
Authors: Sandro Pinelli Felicioni, Luiz Eduardo Mastrocolla, José Iranildo Barbosa Sales da Silva, Rodrigo Otávio Bougleux Alô, Cléa Simone Sabino de Souza Colombo, Bruna Bronhara Damiani, Rica Dodo Delmar Büchler, Carlos Alberto Cordeiro Hossri, Susimeire Buglia, Carolina Christianini Mizzaci, Guacira Grecca, Flávia Bernardes Morais
+2 more Ana L. GUIMARÃES FERREIRA, Marcelo Martins Coelho
DOI: 10.23736/s0393-3660.24.05879-0
Cited by: 0
References: 24

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Strenuous exercise elevates potassium and norepinephrine, but their postexercise interactions are less clear. This study investigated the impact of active and passive recovery on these markers.METHODS: A single-blind, crossover study was designed. Following a Bruce protocol on a treadmill, participants underwent either six minutes of active (3 mph, 0% incline) or passive recovery (immediate supine rest). Blood samples were collected at baseline, during moderate exertion, peak, and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 minutes of recovery. Plasma norepinephrine (high-performance liquid chromatography, HPLC) and potassium (ion-selective potentiometry) were measured. Mixed linear regression models analyzed differences across recovery periods.RESULTS: Twenty-three healthy male volunteers were recruited (mean age 29.10 years, 56% sedentary). The recovery period had a significant impact on potassium levels, with a statistically significant difference (P

Fields of Study & Subjects

Cardiovascular and exercise physiology Exercise and Physiological Responses Cardiovascular Effects of Exercise

Publication details

Journal / source
Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche
Volume
185
Issue
1-2
Publication date
1 February 2026
Language
EN