EFFECTS OF MASSAGE ON POST-EXERCISE MUSCLE STIFFNESS: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS

Abstract

This study examined the effects of massage on post-exercise muscle stiffness. Six well trained male runners underwent a 40-minute downhill run and had one leg massaged and the contralateral leg receiving a placebo treatment on the rectus femoris (RF) and tibialis anterior (TA). Muscle soreness perception and stiffness were assessed at baseline, post-run, post-treatment, 24,48, 72, and 96 hours post-run. Muscle stiffness of the RF and TA increased and peaked at 24 hours after the downhill run before a gradual reduction in subsequent days. A more rapid recovery (decrease in stiffness) was oberved in the massaged RF compared with the contralateral leg although soreness perceptions were similar between legs for both muscles. Massage might be effective in reducing stiffness of muscles that are larger in size and that experience greater soreness post-exercise.