The effects of massage on delayed onset muscle soreness and physical performance in female collegiate athletes

Abstract 

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine if post-exercise massage has an effect on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and physical performance in women collegiate athletes.

Design

This study used a randomized pre-test post-test control group design.

Participants

Twenty-two NCAA Division I women basketball and volleyball players participated. On the day of predicted peak soreness, the treatment group (n=11) received a thigh massage using effleurage, petrissage and vibration while the control group (n=11) rested.

Outcome measures

Paired t-tests were used to assess differences between pre and post massage measures (α=0.05) for vertical jump displacement, timed shuttle run, quadriceps length and pressure-pain threshold in the thigh.

Results

A significant increase (slowing) was found in shuttle run times for the control group (p=0.0354). There were significant changes in vertical jump displacement (p=0.0033), perceived soreness (p=0.0011) and algometer readings (p=0.0461) for the massage group.

Conclusions

This study supports the use of massage in women collegiate athletes for decreasing soreness and improving vertical jump.

Keywords: Pre-season training, Athletic performance, Vertical jump, Massage, Effleurage, Petrissage