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Effects of Sports Massage and Thai Massage on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness and Recovery
Sponsor: Akdeniz University
Summary
This study investigated the effects of sports massage and modified traditional Thai massage on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and recovery following strenuous exercise in healthy, physically inactive young men. The study used a randomized, three-condition, three-period crossover design. Participants completed an exercise protocol designed to induce muscle soreness and subsequently received one of three recovery interventions: sports massage, modified traditional Thai massage, or passive recovery. Each participant underwent all three conditions in a randomized sequence, with a washout period between experimental sessions. The recovery interventions were administered approximately six hours after exercise. Muscle soreness, pressure pain threshold, flexibility, vertical jump performance, and perceived physical performance were assessed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise. The study aimed to compare the effects of the two massage approaches with passive recovery on perceived muscle soreness, mechanical pain sensitivity, and functional recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage.
Official title: Comparative Effects of Sports Massage and Traditional Thai Massage on Recovery Following Plyometric Exercise: A Randomized Three-Period Crossover Study
Key Details
Gender
MALE
Age Range
18 Years - 30 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
35
Start Date
2023-12-11
Completion Date
2024-01-31
Last Updated
2026-10-23
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Sports Massage
A standardized 20-minute sports massage was administered to the lower extremities approximately six hours after the plyometric exercise protocol. The intervention included manual massage techniques applied to the major lower-extremity muscle groups, following a standardized treatment protocol.
Traditional Thai Massage
A standardized 20-minute modified traditional Thai massage protocol was administered to the lower extremities approximately six hours after the plyometric exercise protocol. The intervention incorporated Thai massage techniques adapted for the study, including manual pressure and assisted stretching techniques targeting the major lower-extremity muscle groups.
Passive Recovery
Participants rested quietly in the supine position for 20 minutes without receiving massage, stretching, or any other recovery intervention. The passive recovery session was conducted approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol.
Locations (1)
Akdeniz University
Antalya, Antalya, Turkey (Türkiye)