PHYSICAL RECOVERY AND REHABILITATION AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO THE ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN SPORTS CLUBS: A FIELD STUDY OF THE SENIOR FOOTBALL TEAM OF CHABAB AIN FAKROUN

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the relationship between physical recovery and rehabilitation and the physical condition of the senior football players of Chabab Ain Fakroun. Recovery is a fundamental component of modern sports training and is no less important than the training load itself. The absence of appropriate recovery methods can lead to the accumulation of metabolic by-products and fatigue in the muscular and nervous systems, reducing athletes’ ability to perform at the required level. The study examined the extent to which structured recovery programmes contribute to improving football players’ physical-condition indicators. An experimental method was used, employing an equivalent-groups design (experimental and control groups) with pre- and post-tests. The sample consisted of 18 senior players from Chabab Ain Fakroun, randomly assigned to two groups of nine players each. The experimental group followed a structured recovery programme that included ice baths, light active recovery, and muscle stretching, whereas the control group relied on passive rest. Variables were measured using a 30-m sprint test, a vertical-jump test for explosive power, blood lactate concentration, and the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale. The results indicated statistically significant differences between the groups in the post-test measurements across all study variables, favouring the experimental group. The calculated t value for speed was 2.94 (p = .008), for explosive power 3.17 (p = .004), for lactate 3.86 (p = .001), and for perceived exertion 5.42 (p < .001). A strong, statistically significant negative correlation was also reported between the use of recovery methods and blood lactate concentration (r = −.72). The study concluded that structured recovery programmes can contribute to accelerating rehabilitation and improving athletes’ physical condition. It recommends incorporating such programmes into training plans regularly and systematically.