Sports massage has the potential to reduce ischemic muscle pain and increase range of motion after exercise

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the potential of exercise massage on ischemic muscle pain and ROM after exercise. This experimental research uses a pre and post control group design. Research subjects were selected using purposive sampling technique. Next, the subjects were divided into 2 groups, namely group (K1) which was not given special treatment and group (K2) which was given sports massage. A total of 18 healthy men participated in this study. Our first procedure is preparing research administration and permission to borrow facilities and infrastructure. Next, we screened respondents who were used as research subjects based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and filled out Informed Consent. On the day of the research, all subjects collected data on the characteristics of the research subjects, then warmed up, and then the subjects did exercises in the form of treadmill training with an intensity of 50-60% of their maximum ability. The intensity of the exercise was monitored using a polarizer. Exercise is carried out for 15 minutes. 30 minutes after exercise, all subjects had pre-test data taken to measure ischemic muscle pain and Range of Motion. After collecting pre-test data, subjects carried out interventions based on their respective groups. After being given the intervention, the subject carried out post-test data collection. The intensity of ischemic muscle pain was measured using VAS and ROM was measured at the knee joint using a goniometer. The results of our study reported that the group given exercise massage was able to reduce the intensity of systemic muscle pain and increase ROM significantly (P < 0.05). Providing sports massage after exercise can reduce ischemic muscle pain and increase ROM. Considering that pain intensity and ROM are necessary to support body function, our research findings can be used as an alternative to support physical performance.