ACUTE EFFECTS OF MASSAGE ON PASSIVE ANKLE STIFFNESS FOLLOWING AN EXHAUSTIVE STRET CHSHORTEN CYCLE TASK: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

This preliminary study evaluated the effect of massage on the passive stiffness of the calf muscle complex following single-leg hopping to volitional exhaustion. Four young and healthy male participants had their ankle taken through full joint excursion to determine the resistance to ankle dorsiflexion both prior to and immediately following hopping. A 10 minute rest and massage were then applied in a random order and follow up measures taken immediately Mer each intervention. Calf muscle stiffness increased in three of the four participants following hopping and two participants had a decrease following massage. This study suggests that changes in calf muscle stiffness are sensitive to both exercise and massage. It is important to determine the underlying mechanism(s) to changes in calf stiffness following exercise and whether massage offers any benefit.