Massage and Performance Recovery: A Meta-Analytical Review.

Sports Med

Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany.

Published: February 2016

AI Article Synopsis

Article Abstract

Background: Post-exercise massage is one of the most frequently applied interventions to enhance recovery of athletes. However, evidence to support the efficacy of massage for performance recovery is scarce. Moreover, it has not yet been concluded under which conditions massage is effective.

Objective: The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature on massage for performance recovery.

Methods: We conducted a structured literature search and located 22 randomized controlled trials. These were analysed with respect to performance effects and various characteristics of the study design (type and duration of massage, type of exercise and performance test, duration of recovery period, training status of subjects).

Results: Of the 22 studies, 5 used techniques of automated massage (e.g., vibration), while the other 17 used classic manual massage. A tendency was found for shorter massage (5-12 min) to have larger effects (+6.6%, g = 0.34) than massage lasting more than 12 min (+1.0%, g = 0.06). The effects were larger for short-term recovery of up to 10 min (+7.9%, g = 0.45) than for recovery periods of more than 20 min (+2.4%, g = 0.08). Although after high-intensity mixed exercise, massage yielded medium positive effects (+14.4%, g = 0.61), the effects after strength exercise (+3.9%, g = 0.18) and endurance exercise (+1.3%, g = 0.12) were smaller. Moreover, a tendency was found for untrained subjects to benefit more from massage (+6.5%, g = 0.23) than trained athletes (+2.3%, g = 0.17).

Conclusion: The effects of massage on performance recovery are rather small and partly unclear, but can be relevant under appropriate circumstances (short-term recovery after intensive mixed training). However, it remains questionable if the limited effects justify the widespread use of massage as a recovery intervention in competitive athletes.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0420-xDOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

massage performance
16
massage
14
performance recovery
12
recovery
9
short-term recovery
8
effects
7
performance
5
recovery meta-analytical
4
meta-analytical review
4
review background
4

Similar Publications

The increasing demand for soft robotic systems in agricultural, biomedical and other applications has driven the development of actuators that can mimic the flexibility and adaptability of human muscles. Several studies have explored the design and implementation of soft actuators for robotic applications, however, there is a need for soft actuators demonstrating delicate gripping capabilities but also excel in specific biomedical applications, such as therapeutic massaging. The objective of this work is to develop a multi-finger soft pneumatic actuator mimicking human fingers for Ayurvedic therapeutic massaging and gripping applications.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Catheter ablation procedure for symptomatic atrial fibrillation is an established treatment. Cardiac tamponade is one of the several complications associated with atrial fibrillation ablation. We present the case of a 60-year-old male with a past medical history of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis, hypotension on midodrine, atrial fibrillation status post-ablation a week prior, and a cerebrovascular accident who presented to the emergency department with complaints of weakness, nausea, vomiting, confusion and some syncopal episodes for the past few days.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background And Aim: Removing the chest tube in cardiac patients after surgery is one of the worst experiences of hospitalization in the intensive care units. Various pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods are available to control pain in these patients. This study aimed to investigate the combined effect of reflexology massage and respiratory relaxation on pain following chest tube removal in cardiac surgery patients of Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Shiraz, Iran, in 2023.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) is a common cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction. Modified posterior shoulder stretching exercises have been proposed as a treatment method aimed at improving shoulder function and reducing pain in patients with SIS. However, the efficacy of these exercises remains controversial, necessitating a systematic meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate their effectiveness.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction Neck manipulations, including massages and self-cracking, are common practices, yet public awareness of their potential risks is poorly understood. This study explores public knowledge and awareness of the risks associated with neck manipulations in the Southern region of Saudi Arabia. Methods The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design from May 2024 to July 2024, distributing a questionnaire to the adult population in the Southern Region.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!