Assessing the Reliability of Experimental Massage Techniques Using a Kistler Force Plate

Abstract

Sport massage research is often compromised by poor massage protocol standardization. Various massage techniques are used in experimental settings including effleurage (rhythmic stroking), pétrissage (kneading), and tapôtement (rapid percussion). There are several threats to the standardization of experimental massage protocols such as inadvertent variation in the force and frequency of strokes. PUrPose: To compare the force and speed of each stroke between effleurage, pétrissage, and tapôtement. To assess the test-retest reliability of effleurage, pétrissage, and tapôtement delivery with respect to the force applied and speed of each stroke. MetHoD: Ten male and ten female subjects (N = 20) received two massage treatments separated by a period of 24-hours. Each massage treatment comprised 30-second bouts of effleurage, pétrissage, and tapôtement applied to the subject's back and one calf. All treatments were performed by the same qualified massage therapist. The timing and force of each massage technique was recorded using a Kistler force plate. The massage couch was mounted onto the force plate using a custom built interface. Mean force, mean cycle duration, and mean cycle rate were measured for each massage technique and body region. RESULTS: During effleurage mean force was higher, mean cycle duration was longer, and mean cycle rate was slower than pétrissage (p <0.0001), and tapôtement (p <0.0001). During pétrissage mean force was also found to be higher, mean cycle duration longer, and mean cycle rate slower than tapôtement (p <0.0001). Mean values and test-retest coefficients outcomes are presented in Table 1.Table 1: Mean ± SD values with test-retest coefficients.CONCLUSIONS: Stroke force and speed varies between massage techniques, however test-retest reliability of massage delivery is moderate. Standardization of experimental massage protocols might be improved by using a timing device rather than depending on a therapist's self-regulation skills.