Faster recovery after working out
Multiple studies suggest that sleeping grounded accelerates post-workout recovery. However, limited research has been conducted on this topic. Below, we've compiled a list of relevant studies on the subject and summaries of some of these studies.
Effectiveness of Grounded Sleeping on Recovery After Intensive Eccentric Muscle Loading
Erich Müller, Patrick Pröller, Fatima Ferreira-Briza, Lorenz Aglas, Thomas Stöggl
Purpose: Investigating the impact of grounded sleeping on muscle soreness and athletic performance recovery after intensive eccentric muscle loading.
Methods: Twenty-two participants were randomly assigned to grounded sleeping (GRD) or sham-grounded sleeping (UGD) after an intensive downhill treadmill intervention. A triple-blinded approach was employed. Recovery was assessed using a test battery at various post-intervention time points, measuring muscle soreness perception, creatine kinase levels, maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and jump performance.
Results: The downhill treadmill intervention induced significant fatigue-related changes, persisting up to 10 days post-intervention. GRD showed advantages in performance (CMJ, MVIC) and lower creatine kinase increase compared to UGD (all P < 0.05). Blood analysis indicated grounded sleeping's positive modulation of recovery, maintaining hemoconcentration and reducing inflammation markers associated with muscle damage.
Conclusion: Grounded sleeping accelerates recovery and diminishes markers of muscle damage and inflammation after intensive eccentric exercises, suggesting its potential as a simple method for enhancing recovery.
Link to study: read study
Erich Müller, Patrick Pröller, Fatima Ferreira-Briza, Lorenz Aglas, Thomas Stöggl. Effectiveness of Grounded Sleeping on Recovery After Intensive Eccentric Muscle Loading Front. Physiol., 28 January 2019 Sec. Exercise Physiology Volume 10 - 2019 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.00035
Differences in Blood Urea and Creatinine Concentrations in Earthed and Unearthed Subjects during Cycling Exercise and Recovery
Zbigniew Jastrzębski, Ewelina Jaskulska, Karol Sokal, Maria Jastrzębska, Łukasz Radzimiński, Robert Dargiewicz, and Piotr Zieliński
This study investigated the impact of Grounding / earthing during physical exercise on selected biochemical parameters. In a double-blind crossover study involving 42 participants, earthed and unearthed conditions were compared during cycling. The study found significantly lower blood urea levels in subjects who were earthed during exercise and recovery, suggesting a potential inhibition of hepatic protein catabolism or an increase in renal urea excretion. The findings indicate that earthing during exercise may influence protein metabolism, resulting in a positive nitrogen balance, which could be relevant for athletes aiming to maintain or increase lean body mass.
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Zbigniew Jastrzębski, Ewelina Jaskulska, Karol Sokal, Maria Jastrzębska, Łukasz Radzimiński, Robert Dargiewicz, and Piotr Zieliński. Differences in Blood Urea and Creatinine Concentrations in Earthed and Unearthed Subjects during Cycling Exercise and Recovery. Volume 2013 | Article ID 382643 | https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/382643