Author: Albert Altarriba-Bartés et al
Journal: International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching

AI written summary:

This study provides the first comprehensive overview of post-match recovery practices in elite women’s soccer in Spain, surveying all 33 teams competing in Liga F and Primera Federación during the 2023–2025 seasons. Strength and conditioning coaches completed a five-section survey addressing the type, timing, individualization, and rationale behind their recovery protocols.

Key Findings

High use of recovery strategies

• 31 of 33 teams (94%) used structured recovery strategies after matches.
• 61% applied these strategies to all players; only two teams used none.

Most common strategies

The most frequently used methods were:

• Sleep/naps (94%)
• Nutrition and hydration (94%)
• Supplementation (94%)
• Massage (94%)
• Foam rolling (94%)
• Cold water immersion (85%)
• Compression garments (85%)

Natural strategies (sleep, nutrition, stretching, cool-downs) were the most widely adopted, mainly because they are accessible, inexpensive, and easy to apply.

Less commonly used:

• Pool-based recovery (42%)
• Ice packs (39%)
• Sauna/heat therapy (27%)
• Acupuncture/reflexology (33%)

Psychological recovery is common

• Progressive muscle relaxation (73%)
• Imagery/prayer/music (67%)

This highlights growing recognition of mental fatigue as a performance factor in elite women’s football.

Implementation patterns

• 42% applied recovery strategies within 2 hours post-match.
• 91% used structured periodization across the training microcycle.
• 82% combined multiple strategies in a set order.
• 88% made recovery protocols mandatory.

Individualization

• 39% did not individualize recovery at all.
• When they did, the most used parameters were:
  • Playing experience (39%)
  • Age (36%)
  • Previous injuries (30%)
  • Biological maturation (27%)

Menstrual cycle consideration is limited

Only 8 teams (24%) incorporated menstrual cycle information into recovery planning—despite growing evidence that hormonal fluctuations may influence fatigue, soreness, and recovery rate.

First vs second division

• First-division teams used slightly more recovery strategies on average, but differences were not statistically significant.
• Financial and logistical limitations were reported by 21% of clubs.

Conclusions

• Recovery strategy use is widespread but highly variable.
• Teams largely rely on accessible natural methods, despite limited evidence for some popular practices like stretching and massage.
• Menstrual cycle monitoring remains underutilized.
• Evidence-based, context-specific recovery frameworks are needed—especially approaches tailored to female athletes.

Practical Recommendations

• Prioritize sleep, nutrition, hydration, and psychological recovery, as these are the most impactful and feasible.
• Use interdisciplinary teams (medical + S&C + technical staff) for designing recovery protocols.
• Consider menstrual cycle tracking to improve individualization.
• Focus on quality over quantity—using many strategies is less important than using the right ones.