|
Massage tools, Massagers, Herbal Heat Therapy, Buckwheat
Pillows, and Supports
Newsletter Details
Newsletter Signup
| |
Research on Sports Massage Therapy
The Effects of Massage to the Hamstring Muscle Group on Range of Motion
This study was designed to measure the effect on range of motion of a single
massage treatment to the hamstring muscle group. Thirty-four female subjects
were give 9-12 minute massage treatment to the posterior aspect on one randomly
assigned lower extremity. Passive range of motion of both lower extremities was
measure by taking the perpendicular distance from the lateral malleolus to the
table surface in a straight leg raise and by conventional goniometry for hip
flexion and knee extension. Measurements were taken pre- and post- and seven
days post massage treatment. Immediate post massage increases in range of motion
were noted in the test group legs.
The authors chose the hamstring muscle group because it has been known to be
associated with a number of low back disorders, postural deviations, and may
hinder athletic performance as well as increase risk ofinjury.
Crosman LJ, Chateauvert SR, Weisberg J. Journal of
Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 6(3):168-72, 1984 Nov-Dec.
Massage Reduction of inflammatory Response
Study designed to show the effect of athletic massage after eccentric
exercise. The authors hypothesized massage would disrupt an initial crucial
event in acute inflammation, the accumulation of neutrophils. This would result
in a diminished inflammatory response and a concomitant reduction in delayed
onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and serum creatine kinase (CK). Untrained males
were randomly assigned to a massage or control group. All performed five sets of
isokinetic eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors and extensors.
Two hours after exercise, massage subjects received a 30-minute athletic
massage; control subjects rested. DOMS and CK were assessed before exercise and
at 8, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours after exercise.
Circulating neutrophils were assessed before and immediately after exercise,
and at 30-minutes intervals for 8 hours; cortisol was assessed before and
immediately after exercise, treatment by time interaction effect for DOMS, with
the massage group reporting reduced levels CK, with the massage group displaying
reduced levels Neutrophils, with the massage group displaying a prolonged
elevation; and Cortisol, with DOMS and CK when administered 2 hours after the
termination of eccentric exercise. This may be due to a reduced emigration of
neutrophils and/or higher levels of serum cortisol.
Note: Licensed physical therapist performed the sports massage.
Smith LL., Keating MN, Holbert D, Spratt DJ, McCammon MR,
Smith SS
Human Performance Laboratory, East Carolina University,
Greenville NC. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 19(2):93-9,
1994 February.
Site map
|