Keywords
Physical therapy
Pencak silat
Pulse recovery
Sports recovery
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Post-exercise recovery is a crucial component of athletic training, particularly in combat sports such as pencak silat that impose high cardiovascular demands. Optimizing recovery strategies is essential to restore physiological homeostasis and support training continuity. Natural therapies based on locally available resources, including lemongrass and salt, offer promising alternatives.
Aims: This study aimed to examine the effect, difference, and efficiency of a physical therapy method using a mixture of lemongrass and salt on pulse restoration in pencak silat athletes.
Methods: A quantitative quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group approach was employed. Sixteen female pencak silat athletes aged 14–17 years were divided into a lemongrass and salt therapy group and an active rest control group. Pulse recovery was measured using a heart rate monitor following a bleep test protocol. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, normality and homogeneity tests, paired sample tests, and independent t-tests.
Result: The findings revealed a significant reduction in recovery pulse rate in the lemongrass and salt therapy group compared with the control group. Athletes receiving the intervention achieved faster pulse normalization, with recovery occurring approximately one minute earlier than in the active rest condition, and the between-group difference was statistically significant.
Conclusion: The study concludes that lemongrass and salt therapy is effective and more efficient than active rest in accelerating pulse recovery among pencak silat athletes. This natural intervention provides a practical and culturally relevant recovery strategy, supporting its integration into routine athletic training programs.
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