Comparison of effects between static stretching and petrissage massage on functional-signs of delayed onset of muscle soreness of knee extensors following stimulated plyometric exercise in Thai male

Delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) is the unaccustomed activity, which may last for several days post-exercise. The purpose of this study was to compare effects of static stretching and petrissage massage on functional sign of DOMS of knee extensors following stimulated plyometric exercise in Thai male. Forty-five subjects, aged from 18 to 25 years, were equally randomized into three groups; stretching, massage, and control group. Participants performed 100 drop jumps. Treatments were given after the exercise for 20 minutes. Soreness sensation, thigh circumferences and knee range of motion (ROM) were measured at immediately before exercise, after exercise, after intervention, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after the exercise. All variables showed a significant time effect ( P < 0.01) indicating the presence of muscle damage, especially at 24-72 hours compared to baseline. Additionally, they showed significant lesser on soreness in massage compared with stretching and control groups at 48-72 hours after the exercise ( P < 0.05), a greater on thigh circumference at musculotendinous point in control compared with massage group at 24 hours after the exercise, but no any significant different between groups on thigh circumference at mid-belly point and a greater on knee range of motion (ROM) in massage compared with control and stretching groups at 24 and 72 hours after the exercise ( P < 0.05). These results suggest that petrissage massage can reduce soreness and maintain swelling and knee range of motion following the exercise, compared to stretching or resting.