Can Manual Lymph Drainage Be Considered as a Passive Recovery Strategy?

Context: The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of Swedish massage and manual lymph drainage (MLD) on performance parameters related to jumping, walking, and blood lactic acid levels after Nordic hamstring exercises.

Design: This study was designed as a controlled crossover study.

Methods: The study included 16 young trained men. Participants' lactic acid levels, gait-related parameters, and jumping performance were assessed. Assessments were performed at baseline, after Nordic hamstring exercises, and after 3 different passive recovery strategies: resting, Swedish massage, and MLD for 3 weeks.

Results: As a result of the study, it was observed that lactic acid levels after the MLD and massage intervention were significantly lower in both MLD and massage conditions compared with the control condition (P < .05). There was no within- and between-conditions difference in jumping parameters after the MLD and massage interventions (P > .05). Walking speed in the MLD condition was statistically higher following the intervention compared with both before and after exercise (P < .05). Step time in the massage condition was statistically lower after the intervention compared with after Nordic hamstring exercise (P < .05).

Conclusions: Although MLD and massage interventions have positive effects on lactic acid levels and walking and jumping parameters, they are not superior to each other. MLD can be used as a passive recovery technique after exercise.