Work

Therapeutic Role of Functional Massage in Attenuating Exercise-Induced Neuromuscular Fatigue

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Functional massage is a soft tissue intervention that combines tissue compression with specific joint movements to enhance muscle function, improve joint mobility and reduce pain. The physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT) uses surface electromyography to determine the highest exercise intensity that can be sustained indefinitely. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine the influence of FM on a multi-joint exercise such as cycle ergometry. Methods: Twelve healthy college-aged men volunteered for the current study. On two occasions, separated by seven days and in randomized order, subjects either completed a 14 min FM on both legs prior to an incremental cycle ergometer test to determine PWCFT, or rested for 14 min before performing the same cycling test. Results: The paired samples t-tests revealed a significant (p < 0.05) difference for the absolute and relative PWCFT values between the no-FM and FM conditions. Conclusions: These results indicate that FM may delay the onset of neuromuscular fatigue for whole-body exercise.

Source: Bioengineering

DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering12080880

Authors: Zahraa Darwich, Alaa Issa, Emma Parkin, Jada Young, Marie Eve Pepin, Moh H. Malek

Institutions: Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University

Language: English

Topic: Sports Performance and Training

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258