Effects of a Massage Protocol in Tensiomyographic and Myotonometric Proprieties


Perez-Bellmunt A., Labata-Lezaun N., Llurda-Almuzara L., Rodriguez-Sanz J., Gonzalez-Rueda V., Bueno-Gracia E., ...More

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH, vol.18, no.8, 2021 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 18 Issue: 8
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.3390/ijerph18083891
  • Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Geobase, MEDLINE, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Keywords: massage, musculoskeletal manipulations, sport, physical therapy, athletic performance, muscle tonus, MUSCLE CONTRACTILE PROPERTIES, ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT, COLD-WATER IMMERSION, SKELETAL-MUSCLE, MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES, SPRINT PERFORMANCE, STRENGTH, EXERCISE, RECOVERY, POWER
  • Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Affiliated: No

Abstract

Background: Pre-competition massage is usually used to improve athletic performance and reduce risk of injury. Despite its usual use, the effects of pre-competition massage on neuromuscular function have barely been studied. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the pre-competition massage over the gastrocnemius neuromuscular function. Method: The study is a quasi-experimental clinical trial thirty healthy athletes were enrolled in the study. Subjects received an intervention in one leg (experimental), consisting of a massage, and no intervention in the opposite leg (control). From all values of neuromuscular function, the following were analyzed: contraction time (Tc) and maximal displacement (Dm) by tensiomyography, and stiffness and tone by myotonometry. Results: Main effects of pre-competition massage on neuromuscular function include a significant (p < 0.05) increase in Tc and Dm variables, as well as a reduction in stiffness and tone. Conclusion: Data shows an increase in Tc and maximal radial displacement (Dm) variables, as well as a reduction in stiffness and tone. More quality studies are needed to draw clear conclusions about the effects of pre-competition massage.