Purpose : Recovery condition is classified into two major categories during short-duration (<6 s) intermittent sprint exercise: active recovery (AR) and passive recovery (PR). Performance in passive trials is superior to active trials during short-duration intermittent sprint exercise. The effect of AR intensity on performance during short-duration intermittent sprint exercise remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of recovery conditions (active vs. passive) and exercise intensity of the recovery period on performance, as well as muscle oxygenation during short-duration intermittent exercise. Methods : Ten subjects performed a graded test and ten 5 s maximal sprints with 25 s of PR or AR between sprints on a cycle ergometer. Exercise intensity of AR was adjusted to 15% (AR15), 25% (AR25), or 40% (AR40) of maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), and these were randomly assigned. Peak power and percentage decrement in power were determined during the intermittent sprint exercise. Oxyhemoglobin (O₂Hb) and deoxyhemoglobin were also measured using near-infrared spectroscopy. Results : Peak power values were significantly higher with PR than with AR40 (P<0.05). The percentage of peak power decrement was significantly lower with PR than with AR40 (8.4±2.9% vs. 10.9±3.6%, P<0.05). O₂Hb variation was significantly higher with PR than with AR40 (27.9±9.6% vs. 20.6±6.0%, P<0.05). Conclusion : AR40 is associated with reduced sprint performance and lower muscular reoxygenation. Performance with AR is not inferior compared with PR if AR is less than 25% of VO₂max during short-duration intermittent exercise.