2004•The American Journal of Sports MedicineRequires access

Sports Massage after Eccentric Exercise

Sven Jönhagen, Paul W. Ackermann, Tommy Eriksson, Tönu Saartok, Per A.F.H. Renström

Open publisher page 73 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The use of sports massage is very common in the athletic community. However, only a few studies have shown any therapeutic effect of massage. HYPOTHESIS: Sports massage can improve the recovery after eccentric exercise. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical trial. METHODS: Sixteen subjects performed 300 maximal eccentric contractions of the quadriceps muscle bilaterally. Massage was given to 1 leg, whereas the other leg served as a control. Subjects were treated once daily for 3 days. Maximal strength was tested on a Kin-Com dynamometer, and functional tests were based on 1-leg long jumps. Pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: There was a marked loss of strength and function of the quadriceps directly after exercise and on the third day after exercise. The massage treatment did not affect the level or duration of pain or the loss of strength or function following exercise. CONCLUSION: Sports massage could not improve the recovery after eccentric exercise.

About this research paper

What this paper is about

BACKGROUND: The use of sports massage is very common in the athletic community. However, only a few studies have shown any therapeutic effect of massage. HYPOTHESIS: Sports massage can improve the recovery after eccentric exercise. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical trial. METHODS: Sixteen subjects performed 300 maximal eccentric contractions of the quadriceps muscle bilaterally. Massage was given to 1 leg, whereas the other leg served as a control. Subjects were treated once daily for 3 days. Maximal strength was tested on a Kin-Com dynamometer, and functional tests were based on 1-leg long jumps. Pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: There was a marked loss of strength and function of the quadriceps directly after exercise and on the third day after exercise. The massage treatment did not affect the level or duration of pain or the loss of strength or function following exercise. CONCLUSION: Sports massage could not improve the recovery after eccentric exercise.

Why it matters

OpenAlex reports 73 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

Key contribution

A contribution statement is not available in the OpenAlex record.

Method / approach

Method details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Main findings

Findings are not separately available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Limitations

Limitations are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Applications

Application details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Available abstract

BACKGROUND: The use of sports massage is very common in the athletic community. However, only a few studies have shown any therapeutic effect of massage. HYPOTHESIS: Sports massage can improve the recovery after eccentric exercise. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical trial. METHODS: Sixteen subjects performed 300 maximal eccentric contractions of the quadriceps muscle bilaterally. Massage was given to 1 leg, whereas the other leg served as a control. Subjects were treated once daily for 3 days. Maximal strength was tested on a Kin-Com dynamometer, and functional tests were based on 1-leg long jumps. Pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: There was a marked loss of strength and function of the quadriceps directly after exercise and on the third day after exercise. The massage treatment did not affect the level or duration of pain or the loss of strength or function following exercise. CONCLUSION: Sports massage could not improve the recovery after eccentric exercise.

Key concepts: Massage, Eccentric, Medicine, Physical therapy, Eccentric exercise, Physical medicine and rehabilitation, Visual analogue scale, Isometric exercise

Related papers

Back to paper searchBrowse research topicsOriginal source
Sports Massage after Eccentric Exercise — Research Paper | ScholarLens