The Effects of Massage Therapy on Sport and Exercise Performance: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: A massage is a tool that is frequently used in sports and exercise in general for recovery and increased performance. In this review paper, we aimed to search and systemize current literature findings relating to massages’ effects on sports and exercise performance concerning its effects on motor abilities and neurophysiological and psychological mechanisms. Methods: The review has been written following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) guidelines. One hundred and fourteen articles were included in this review. Results: The data revealed that massages, in general, do not affect motor abilities, except flexibility. However, several studies demonstrated that positive muscle force and strength changed 48 h after the massage was given. Concerning neurophysiological parameters, the massage did not change blood lactate clearance, muscle blood flow, muscle temperature, or activation. However, many studies indicate pain reduction and delayed onset muscle soreness, which are probably correlated with the reduction of the level of creatine kinase enzyme and psychological mechanisms. In addition, the massage treatment led to a decrease in depression, stress, anxiety, and the perception of fatigue and an increase in mood, relaxation, and the perception of recovery. Conclusion: The direct usage of massages just for gaining results in sport and exercise performance seems questionable. However, it is indirectly connected to performance as an important tool when an athlete should stay focused and relaxed during competition or training and recover after them.

Impact of warm-up methods on strength-speed for sprinters in athletics: a mini review

“…However, if a choice must be made between static and dynamic stretching, dynamic stretching presents greater benefits compared to static stretching and no stretching at all (63). Similar outcomes are obtained with massages as a warm-up method, as they do not directly enhance performance (64) and may only influence flexibility without impacting motor capabilities (65), potentially being detrimental if excessively long. The same caution should be applied to dynamic stretching and foam roller use if done excessively (66).…”

“…However, because there is a vast number of studies, especially regarding the effects of stretching on flexibility in humans, it was necessary to focus the literature search, which possibly led to some studies missing in the review article. To analyze studies addressing our research question, we started by screening recent systematic review articles addressing the topic ( 17 , 30 , 39 , 50 , 58 , 65 ). Subsequently, related articles and reference lists were screened to find articles excluded in the aforementioned systematic reviews.…”

Enhancing recovery from plyometric circuit training: The synergistic impact of dynamic stretching, BCAA supplementation, and sports massage on DOMS

“…The results of this study imply that SM (sports massage) can help reduce muscle soreness. Although SM is one of the most popular interventions for supporting sports recovery (Patra et al, 2023;Xie et al, 2023), some arguments state that SM does not always have a positive impact (Dakić et al, 2023). However, in support of the data obtained, systematic reviews and meta-analyses show that massage after strenuous exercise can effectively reduce DOMS and improve muscle performance.…”

Ergonomic interventions to reduce upper limb musculoskeletal pain during robotic surgery: a narrative review

“…Delayed-onset muscle soreness may be preventable with massage or active exercises [ 45 – 47 ]. Reduction of pain associated with massage may be related to decreased creatine kinase enzyme or psychological reasons [ 48 ].…”