The Effects of Massage Therapy on Sport and Exercise Performance: A Systematic Review

Immediate effect of ice and dry massage during rest breaks on recovery in MMA fighters : a randomized crossover clinical trial study

The MMA fight consists of 5 rounds of 5 min with minimal breaks between the rounds. The exertion load is excessive for the fighters, and the 1-minute breaks give little time for any intervention. This study aimed to examine the acute effects of two methods of regenerative strategies, ice massage and dry massage, and analyze their impact on Reactive Strength Index (RSI - m s- 1), muscles' biomechanical properties: muscle tone (T-Hz), elasticity (E - arb- relative arbitrary unit), stiffness (S - N/m), pressure pain threshold, (PPT - N/cm²), and compare their influence with passive rest. The maximum number of jumps (J - n) treated as an indirect effective measure of the interventions that were conducted was also recorded for each participant in each regenerative strategy. Thirty male MMA fighters took part in the study. Three subgroups of 10 participants (Ice massage, n = 10; dry massage, n = 10; and control, n = 10) were enrolled in the cross-over randomized clinical trial study design. The groups were randomized, and each group underwent each procedure (30 tested in each procedure). Five sets of jumps on a 50 cm box to exhaustion were used as a fatigue protocol with 1-minute breaks. The recovery interventions were performed during the breaks. The statistically significant results revealed in the post-exercise tests: RSI and number of jumps - the lowest decrease was observed in the massage group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001 respectively), the minor increases in T, E and S were also observed in the massage group ((p < 0.0001 for all measurements); the post-exercise PPT was the highest (higher means better) in the Ice group (p < 0.001). In every other parameter, the ice massage group showed slightly worse results than the dry massage group. Responder analysis confirms that the number of jumps profoundly impacted biomechanical variables, leading to increased muscle stiffness and tension, decreased elasticity and force endurance, and heightened pain sensitivity. Obtained results confirm that both dry and ice massage can significantly affect acute recovery following rounds of combat sport-related exertions. The Ice and Massage interventions differed in effectiveness - Massage was the most effective in preventing increases in stiffness and tension and preserving muscle elasticity. At the same time, ice cooling had a lesser impact, particularly on muscle elasticity changes but higher for PPT.

Foam Rolling Intervention Improves Lactate Clearance After High-Intensity Exercise

The acute effects of a foam rolling intervention on lactate clearance and the impaired executive function associated with fatigue after high-intensity exercise remain unclear. This study examined whether foam rolling is an effective tool for fatigue recovery. Eighteen healthy adults without consistent exercise habits participated in this study. Participants performed high-intensity exercises, and the post-exercise foam rolling intervention was compared to the control condition. Measurements included lactate, vigor/fatigue by the Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition, cognitive function (cognitive task performance), leg and body rating of perceived exertion pre- and post-exercise, and post-intervention. Blood lactate concentrations post-foam rolling intervention (-7.3 ± 3.0 mmol/L) were significantly reduced among all participants. Increased lactate clearance by foam rolling correlated with a faster recovery of executive function for those with greater lactate clearance. However, cognitive fatigue was not observed after high-intensity exercise (p = 0.086, r = 0.41). Lactate clearance was not significantly correlated with the rating of perceived exertion in the foam rolling condition. The rating of the perceived exertion decreased with increased lactate clearance for those with greater lactate clearance in the control condition (leg: r = 0.778; body: r = 0.669). In conclusion, foam rolling intervention may be effective for exhausting exercise recovery.

Recovery effect of self-myofascial release treatment using different type of a foam rollers

Among athletes, foam rolling is popular technique of myofascial release aimed to support recovery processes and counteract delayed onset muscle soreness. However, there is no consensus on the optimal parameters of the roller texture used in the procedure. The study aimed to determine whether using rollers with different textures and hardness (smooth/soft, grooved/mid, serrated/hard) in myofascial release affects post-exertional restitution rate and the level of perceived DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) after intense anaerobic exercise. The study involved 60 healthy and physically active men randomly divided into three experimental groups and one control group (passive rest)-each consisting of 15 individuals: STH-rolling with a smooth roller; G-rolling with a grooved roller; TP-rolling with a serrated roller; Pass-passive rest group. After performing a exercise test (one-minute high-intensity squat), blood lactate (LA), creatine kinase (CK) and pain perception (VAS Scale) were monitored. The analysis of the average LA concentration in the blood 30 min post-exercise showed a statistical difference for all rolling groups compared to the passive rest group: STH (p < 0.001), G (p < 0.001), TP (p = 0.035). No statistically significant differences were found between the CK measurement results in individual assessments. Statistically significant differences in VAS values were observed between G (p = 0.013) and TP (p = 0.006) groups and the Pass group at 48 h, as well as between STH (p = 0.003); G (p = 0.001); TP (p < 0.001) groups and the Pass group at 72 h. Based on statistical data, a strong influence (η2 = 0.578) of time on the quadriceps VAS variable was noted. The research results confirm the effectiveness of rolling in supporting immediate and prolonged recovery. The conducted studies indicate a significantly better pace of post-exertional recovery after a rolling procedure lasting at least 120 s. The texture and hardness of the tool used did not matter with such a duration of the treatment.

Ergonomic interventions to reduce upper limb musculoskeletal pain during robotic surgery: a narrative review

There is a high prevalence of upper limb musculoskeletal pain among robotic surgeons. Poor upper limb ergonomic positioning during robotic surgery occurs when the shoulders are abducted, and the elbows are lifted off the console armrest. The validated rapid upper limb assessment can quantify ergonomic efficacy. Surface electromyography and hand dynamometer assessment of strength are the most common methods to assess muscle fatigue. A literature review was performed to find evidence of ergonomic interventions which reduce upper limb musculoskeletal pain during robotic surgery. There is a paucity of studies which have reported on this topic. In other occupations, there is strong evidence for the use of resistance training to prevent upper extremity pain. Use of forearm compression sleeves, stretching, and massage may help reduce forearm fatigue. Microbreaks with targeted stretching, active ergonomic training, improved use of armrest, and optimal hand controller design have been shown to reduce upper limb musculoskeletal pain. Future studies should assess which interventions are beneficial in reducing surgeon upper limb pain during robotic surgery.

Impact of warm-up methods on strength-speed for sprinters in athletics: a mini review

In athletics, achieving peak performance during competitions is crucial. Warm-up strategies play a crucial role in optimizing the strength-speed performance of sprinters in athletics, especially tailored to the physiological demands of speed events. The need to balance flexibility, prevent injuries, and enhance power output makes the selection of an effective warm-up protocol essential. This narrative review examines different warm-up methods used by athletes and their effects on strength-speed in sprinters in athletics. The main findings indicate that Foam Rolling (FR), Isometric Exercises and Pre-Competitive Massages have no significant effects on sprint performance. Static stretching and prolonged Pre-Competitive Massages have negative impacts on strength and power. The Vibration Platform enhances step length, step rate and running velocity, jump height and total number of jumps performed in a 30-s period in non-experienced sprinters. Eccentric Exercise increases vertical force, Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP) demonstrates a reduction in 100-meter time and short-term improvement in vertical and horizontal jumps. Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) significantly improving jump height and flight time. Various warm-up methods have been identified, some focusing on flexibility, others potentially detrimental, and some enhancing strength and power. Implementing effective warm-ups, particularly those promoting strength and power, poses a challenge for coaches seeking reliable alternatives to boost performance.

Acute Effects of Short-Term Massage Procedures on Neuromechanical Contractile Properties of Rectus Femoris Muscle

Background and Objectives: In many sports, maintaining muscle work at an optimal level despite fatigue is crucial. Therefore, it is essential to discover the most efficient way of recovery. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the acute effects of four different recovery methods on muscle neuromechanical properties. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted using a randomized, quasi-experimental, repeated-measures design. Fourteen healthy and active male students of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education (age 25.1 ± 3.9 years) were included in this study. The tensiomyography was used to evaluate muscle responses after four different types of short-term recovery methods (passive rest, percussive mechanical, vibro-mechanical, and manual massage) on the rectus femoris muscle on four occasions: baseline, post fatigue, post recovery and prolonged recovery. Results: The ANOVA revealed that muscle fatigue decreased maximal vertical muscle displacement (Dm) and muscle contraction time (Tc) in post fatigue compared to the baseline. The most important finding shows that only the vibro-mechanical massage resulted in an increase in Tc in the prolonged recovery compared to the post fatigue (p = 0.028), whereas only manual massage showed no differences in Dm from the baseline in post-recovery (p = 0.148). Moreover, both manual and vibro-mechanical massages increased Dm and Tc in prolonged recovery, indicating no differences from the baseline (all p > 0.05), thus showing signs of muscle recovery. Percussion mechanical massage and passive rest did not show indices of muscle recovery. Conclusions: Manual massage could induce immediate positive changes in Dm by reducing muscle stiffness. In addition, vibro-mechanical and manual massage improved muscle tissue by rapidly returning Dm and Tc values to baseline at prolonged recovery measurement (5 min after the fatigue protocol). These findings can benefit sports practitioners, and physical therapists in developing the best recovery method after muscle fatigue.