Research on Sports Massage Therapy

The Effects of Massage to the Hamstring Muscle Group on Range of Motion

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This study was designed to measure the effect on range of motion of a single massage treatment to the hamstring muscle group. Thirty-four female subjects were give 9-12 minute massage treatment to the posterior aspect on one randomly assigned lower extremity. Passive range of motion of both lower extremities was measure by taking the perpendicular distance from the lateral malleolus to the table surface in a straight leg raise and by conventional goniometry for hip flexion and knee extension. Measurements were taken pre- and post- and seven days post massage treatment. Immediate post massage increases in range of motion were noted in the test group legs.

The authors chose the hamstring muscle group because it has been known to be associated with a number of low back disorders, postural deviations, and may hinder athletic performance as well as increase risk ofinjury.

Crosman LJ, Chateauvert SR, Weisberg J. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 6(3):168-72, 1984 Nov-Dec.

Massage Reduction of inflammatory Response

Study designed to show the effect of athletic massage after eccentric exercise. The authors hypothesized massage would disrupt an initial crucial event in acute inflammation, the accumulation of neutrophils. This would result in a diminished inflammatory response and a concomitant reduction in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and serum creatine kinase (CK). Untrained males were randomly assigned to a massage or control group. All performed five sets of isokinetic eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors and extensors.

Two hours after exercise, massage subjects received a 30-minute athletic massage; control subjects rested. DOMS and CK were assessed before exercise and at 8, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours after exercise.

Circulating neutrophils were assessed before and immediately after exercise, and at 30-minutes intervals for 8 hours; cortisol was assessed before and immediately after exercise, treatment by time interaction effect for DOMS, with the massage group reporting reduced levels CK, with the massage group displaying reduced levels Neutrophils, with the massage group displaying a prolonged elevation; and Cortisol, with DOMS and CK when administered 2 hours after the termination of eccentric exercise. This may be due to a reduced emigration of neutrophils and/or higher levels of serum cortisol.

Note: Licensed physical therapist performed the sports massage.