Research introduction:
The research team extensively analyzed the data of 257 subjects in 6 studies. The results showed that sports massage had no significant effect on sprint performance. Statistically, inter-subject homogeneity was low (I² = 82%) and the effect size of sports massage on sprint performance was -0.35 with a standard mean difference (SMD) of -0.35, indicating a moderate to large effect size is small, and there is a 95% confidence estimate that the true value of the effect is likely to fall between -0.98 and 0.28.
Although it can be seen from the results of the integrated study that massage has no effect on sprint performance, the homogeneity between subjects is low, which means that there is considerable heterogeneity between studies, that is, the magnitude of the effect can vary to between studies of less stable or reliable effect sizes. Effect sizes are often calculated based on the pooled results of multiple studies, and if there is significant heterogeneity across studies, a single effect size estimate may not represent the effect across the entire range of research. As a result, the author believes that studying the reasons for low homogeneity can lead to a better understanding of the effect of massage on speed performance.
Research and analysis:
From the point of view of experimental design, the order and degree of subject participation in the experimental intervention, different exercise levels, warm-up methods, repeated sprint times, massage techniques (relaxed or tapping), massage components and sprint direction (left or right or straight line) ) different, which may affect the homogeneity of the subject data. In addition, studies by Fletcher (2010) and Goodwin et al. (2007) massage as a warming strategy while studies by Delextrat et al (2013), Mancinelli et al. and used by Ogai et al. (2008) massage as a warm-up strategy As a recovery strategy, the subjects received massage and different levels of rest before performing a second sprint performance test.
It can be seen that the physical condition of subjects in different studies is different when doing sprint tests, and subjects in the latter are more tired at the beginning. In two studies that used massage as a warm-up strategy, the massage plus dynamic warm-up group was found to have the greatest increase in end-to-end and stride length, but speed performance was the same as the dynamic warm-up group true while the real massage group had the fastest speed performance. In four studies using massage as a recovery strategy, it was found that although the results of the regular sprint test of the massage group did not differ from those of other groups, the self-reported obesity index of the group was lower massage the most.
in conclusion:
In summary, massage has no effect on sprint performance and only a small effect. However, under subjective conditions and different conditions, the effect of massage on sprint performance is different. Through a detailed reading of six studies, we can conclude that if massage causes a reduction in muscle stiffness, it may be improved through followed by a dynamic warm-up. To balance the body; and the positive effect of massage on joint movement and reducing fatigue may be helpful for athletes. Therefore, if there is enough time, massage can be considered before a dynamic warm-up according to the athlete’s condition, in addition, when athletes are tired or with limited mobility, massage can be used to relieve give the above discomfort. Finally, we also look forward to seeing future research on the effect of different exercise levels or different massage techniques on sprint performance.
references:
Davis, H.L., Alabed, S., & Chico, T.J.A. (2020). Effects of sports massage on performance and recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open Sports and Exercise Medicine, 6(1), e000614.
Fletcher, IM (2010). Effects of pre-competition massage on kinematic parameters of 20-m sprint performance. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 24(5), 1179-1183.
Goodwin, JE, Glaister, M., Howatson, G., Lockey, RA, & McInnes, G. (2007). Effects of pre-performance lower limb massage on thirty meter sprint running. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 21(4), 1028-1031.
Delextrat, A., Calleja-González, J., Hippocrate, A., & Clarke, N.D. (2013). Effects of sports massage and intermittent cold water immersion on game recovery in basketball players. Journal of Sports Sciences, 31(1), 11-19.
Mancinelli, CA, Davis, DS, Aboulhosn, L., Brady, M., Eisenhofer, J., & Foutty, S. (2006). Effects of massage on delayed muscle soreness and physical performance in female collegiate athletes. Physical Medicine in Sports, 7(1), 5-13.
Robertson, A., Watt, JM, & Galloway, SDR (2004). Effects of leg massage on recovery from high intensity cycling exercise. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 38(2), 173-176.
Ogai, R., Yamane, M., Matsumoto, T., & Kosaka, M. (2008). Effect of petrissage massage on fatigue and exercise performance after intense bicycle pedaling. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 42(10), 834-838.
