Abstract
Aims:This study used pretest-posttest randomized group comparison to investigate the acute effects of foot reflexology massage (FRM) intervention on the pulse harmonic and parasympathetic modulation after repeated sprint ability test (RSA) and Yo Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YOYO).Background:The arterial pulse wave characteristics (APW) is a physiological indicator of peripheral arterial compliance. Reflexology massage is a non-invasive intervention to improve arterial compliance. However, the acute effect of FRM on APW after intense exercise has not been examined.Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effect of FRM after short-term bouts of anaerobic-based and aerobic-based intermittent exercises.Methods:Twenty-six collegiate male football/futsal players voluntarily participated in this study. All participants were randomly assigned to FRM group (n= 14) or control group (n= 12). The participants performed RSA and YOYO exercise protocols at least 3 days apart within a week. The electrocardiography (ECG), and APW of right hand (RH), left hand (LH), and left foot (LF) were recorded for 10 min in supine position before and after interventional/control period. A standard of 30 min FRM was given immediately after exercises, whereas those of control group were requested to rest comfortably on a massage table for 30 min. Non-parametric statistical analyses (The Mann-Whitney rank and Wilcoxon signed rank test) were used to compare the measured variables.Results:The results showed different characteristics of sympathetic nervous system index after RSA and YOYO protocols in the FRM and control groups [FRM: RSA (p= 0.01); Control: YOYO (p< 0.01)]. The results also identified similar exercise-induced modulation of 1stand 2ndpulse harmonics in LF location with or without FRM treatment.Conclusion:The FRM intervention demonstrated minor impact on the recovery of APW and parasympathetic modulation after RSA and YOYO exercises.Clinical Trail Registration Number: NCT03821805
Highlights
Reflexology massage is a popular modality in complementary and alternative medicine
The results identified similar exercise-induced modulation of 1st and 2nd pulse harmonics in left foot (LF) location with or without foot reflexology massage (FRM) treatment
There was a significant difference in exercise duration for Yo Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YOYO) performance between the two groups of participants (p = 0.028; effect size (ES) = 0.90)
Summary
Foot Reflexology Massage and Arterial Pulse Wave. Hughes et al [4] showed that a 20-min FRM intervention improved blood pressure and heart rate (HR) responses after the Stroop test and a mental arithmetic test. Increased vagal tone and decreased sympathetic modulation and arterial blood pressure were observed after a 60-min FRM in healthy adults and patients with coronary artery disease [6]. Our recent study using FRM as a shortterm recovery intervention demonstrated positive benefits of autonomic function after repeated sprint ability (RSA) exercise in collegiate athletes [8]. The moderate effect of FRM on HR, HRV, blood pressure, stroke volume, and cardiac output were reported when 5-min FRM intervention was applied to the upper part of the left foot [9]. Reflexology massage is a non-invasive intervention to improve arterial compliance. The acute effect of FRM on APW after intense exercise has not been examined
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