Effects of a Massage Protocol in Tensiomyographic and Myotonometric Proprieties.

Albert Pérez-Bellmunt,Jacobo Rodríguez-Sanz,Noé Labata-Lezaun,Luis Llurda-Almuzara,Carlos López-De-Celis,Derya Celik,Vanessa González-Rueda,Elena Bueno-Gracia

doi:10.3390/ijerph18083891

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.

Highlights

Massage is one of the most used tools in the field of rehabilitation and in sports [1,2]
Some studies have shown that massage techniques can produce an improvement in grip strength [7], range of motion (ROM) [8,9] and delayed onset muscular soreness [10]
Massage techniques have been shown to increase blood perfusion and cell proliferation [12,13], which may have a positive effect on tissue in some sports disciplines such as long-distance running

Summary

Introduction

Massage is one of the most used tools in the field of rehabilitation and in sports [1,2] From this technique, pre-competition massage has emerged, with the main objective of improving the performance of athletes and reducing the risk of injury [3]. A recent systematic review found that massage increases skin microcirculatory flow motion locally and beyond, affecting systemic hemodynamics. This observation is an interesting example of the efficacy of. 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

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion