These references summarize the research on the effects of massage
on blood flow and recovery from exercise and provide research
on lactic acid physiology to dispel the myths.
Sports massage. A comprehensive review.
A
Moraska
author
2005-Sep
text
J Sports Med Phys Fitness
continuing
periodical
academic journal
0022-4707
2005-Sep
45
3
370
380
The science of sports massage is of interest to many populations
including athletes, athletic trainers, coaches, as well as sports
physiologists. While evidence to support or refute the effects of
massage on sports performance is insufficient to make definitive
statements, new reports and trends within data help formulate an
understanding of sports massage. This article will review sports massage
research on topics including lactate clearance, delayed onset of muscle
soreness (DOMS), muscle fatigue, the psychological effect of massage,
and injury prevention and treatment. Articles referenced in Medline,
Cochrane Database, the authors library, and references from articles are
included in this review. Most studies contain methodological limitations
including inadequate therapist training, insufficient duration of
treatment, few subjects, or over or under working of muscles that limit
a practical conclusion. Muscle soreness associated with DOMS is reduced
with massage, although whether force recovers more quickly is still
unclear. The research literature to date is insufficient to conclude
whether massage facilitates recovery from a fatiguing effort. Both
tissue healing and a psychological effect of massage are areas that may
prove promising with further research. Results from published literature
support a positive trend for massage to benefit athletic recovery and
performance; a need for further research into sports massage, especially
well-designed studies utilizing therapists specifically trained to
administer this type of therapy, is warranted.
Moraska2005
Effects of massage on delayed-onset muscle soreness, swelling, and recovery of muscle function.
Zainal
Zainuddin
author
Mike
Newton
author
Paul
Sacco
author
Kazunori
Nosaka
author
2005-Jul
text
J Athl Train
continuing
periodical
academic journal
1062-6050
2005-Jul
40
3
174
180
Context: Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) describes muscle pain and tenderness that typically develop several hours postexercise and consist of predominantly eccentric muscle actions, especially if the exercise is unfamiliar. Although DOMS is likely a symptom of eccentric-exercise-induced muscle damage, it does not necessarily reflect muscle damage. Some prophylactic or therapeutic modalities may be effective only for alleviating DOMS, whereas others may enhance recovery of muscle function without affecting DOMS.Objective: To test the hypothesis that massage applied after eccentric exercise would effectively alleviate DOMS without affecting muscle function.Design: We used an arm-to-arm comparison model with 2 independent variables (control and massage) and 6 dependent variables (maximal isometric and isokinetic voluntary strength, range of motion, upper arm circumference, plasma creatine kinase activity, and muscle soreness). A 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and paired t tests were used to examine differences in changes of the dependent variable over time (before, immediately and 30 minutes after exercise, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, and 14 days postexercise) between control and massage conditions.Setting: University laboratory.Patients or Other Participants: Ten healthy subjects (5 men and 5 women) with no history of upper arm injury and no experience in resistance training.Intervention(s): Subjects performed 10 sets of 6 maximal isokinetic (90 degrees .s) eccentric actions of the elbow flexors with each arm on a dynamometer, separated by 2 weeks. One arm received 10 minutes of massage 3 hours after eccentric exercise; the contralateral arm received no treatment.Main Outcome Measure(s): Maximal voluntary isometric and isokinetic elbow flexor strength, range of motion, upper arm circumference, plasma creatine kinase activity, and muscle soreness.Results: Delayed-onset muscle soreness was significantly less for the massage condition for peak soreness in extending the elbow joint and palpating the brachioradialis muscle (P < .05). Soreness while flexing the elbow joint (P = .07) and palpating the brachialis muscle (P = .06) was also less with massage. Massage treatment had significant effects on plasma creatine kinase activity, with a significantly lower peak value at 4 days postexercise (P < .05), and upper arm circumference, with a significantly smaller increase than the control at 3 and 4 days postexercise (P < .05). However, no significant effects of massage on recovery of muscle strength and ROM were evident.Conclusions: Massage was effective in alleviating DOMS by approximately 30% and reducing swelling, but it had no effects on muscle function.
Zainuddin2005
The mechanisms of massage and effects on performance, muscle recovery and injury prevention.
Pornratshanee
Weerapong
author
Patria
A
Hume
author
Gregory
S
Kolt
author
2005
text
Sports Med
continuing
periodical
academic journal
0112-1642
2005
35
3
235
256
Many coaches, athletes and sports medicine personnel hold the belief, based on observations and experiences, that massage can provide several benefits to the body such as increased blood flow, reduced muscle tension and neurological excitability, and an increased sense of well-being. Massage can produce mechanical pressure, which is expected to increase muscle compliance resulting in increased range of joint motion, decreased passive stiffness and decreased active stiffness (biomechanical mechanisms). Mechanical pressure might help to increase blood flow by increasing the arteriolar pressure, as well as increasing muscle temperature from rubbing. Depending on the massage technique, mechanical pressure on the muscle is expected to increase or decrease neural excitability as measured by the Hoffman reflex (neurological mechanisms). Changes in parasympathetic activity (as measured by heart rate, blood pressure and heart rate variability) and hormonal levels (as measured by cortisol levels) following massage result in a relaxation response (physiological mechanisms). A reduction in anxiety and an improvement in mood state also cause relaxation (psychological mechanisms) after massage. Therefore, these benefits of massage are expected to help athletes by enhancing performance and reducing injury risk. However, limited research has investigated the effects of pre-exercise massage on performance and injury prevention. Massage between events is widely investigated because it is believed that massage might help to enhance recovery and prepare athletes for the next event. Unfortunately, very little scientific data has supported this claim. The majority of research on psychological effects of massage has concluded that massage produces positive effects on recovery (psychological mechanisms). Post-exercise massage has been shown to reduce the severity of muscle soreness but massage has no effects on muscle functional loss. Notwithstanding the belief that massage has benefits for athletes, the effects of different types of massage (e.g. petrissage, effleurage, friction) or the appropriate timing of massage (pre-exercise vs post-exercise) on performance, recovery from injury, or as an injury prevention method are not clear. Explanations are lacking, as the mechanisms of each massage technique have not been widely investigated. Therefore, this article discusses the possible mechanisms of massage and provides a discussion of the limited evidence of massage on performance, recovery and muscle injury prevention. The limitations of previous research are described and further research is recommended.
Weerapong2005
Effects of massage on limb and skin blood flow after quadriceps exercise.
Tessa
Hinds
author
Islay
McEwan
author
Jill
Perkes
author
Ellen
Dawson
author
Derek
Ball
author
Keith
George
author
2004-Aug
text
Med Sci Sports Exerc
continuing
periodical
academic journal
0195-9131
2004-Aug
36
8
1308
1313
PURPOSE: At present, there is little scientific evidence that postexercise manual massage has any effect on the factors associated with the recovery process. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of massage against a resting control condition upon femoral artery blood flow (FABF), skin blood flow (SKBF), skin (SKT), and muscle (MT) temperature after dynamic quadriceps exercise. METHODS: Thirteen male volunteers participated in 3 x 2-min bouts of concentric quadriceps exercise followed by 2 x 6-min bouts of deep effleurage and pétrissage massage or a control (rest) period of similar duration in a counterbalanced fashion. Measures of FABF, SKBF, SKT, MT, blood lactate concentration (BLa), heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) were taken at baseline, immediately after exercise, as well as at the midpoint and end of the massage/rest periods. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Significant main effects were found for all variables over time due to effects of exercise. Massage to the quadriceps did not significantly elevate FABF (end-massage 760 +/- 256 vs end-control 733 +/- 161 mL x min(-1)), MT, BL, HR, and BP over control values (P < 0.05). SKBF (end-massage 150 +/- 49 vs end control 6 +/- 4 au) SKT (end-massage 32.2 +/- 0.9 vs end-control 31.1 +/- 1.3degreesC) were elevated after the application of massage compared with the control trial (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: From these data it is proposed that without an increase in arterial blood flow, any increase in SKBF is potentially diverting flow away from recovering muscle. Such a response would question the efficacy of massage as an aid to recovery in postexercise settings.
Hinds2004
Effect of massage on blood flow and muscle fatigue following isometric lumbar exercise.
Hidetoshi
Mori
author
Hideo
Ohsawa
author
Tim
Hideaki
Tanaka
author
Eiichi
Taniwaki
author
Gerry
Leisman
author
Kazushi
Nishijo
author
2004-May-28
text
Med Sci Monit
continuing
periodical
academic journal
1234-1010
2004-May-28
10
5
CR173
CR178
BACKGROUND: This study attempted to investigate the influence of massage on the skin and the intramuscular circulatory changes associated with localized muscle fatigue. MATERIAL/METHODS: Twenty-nine healthy male subjects participated in two experimental sessions (massage and rest conditions). Subjects lay prone on the table and were instructed to extend their trunks until the inferior portion of their rib cage no longer rested on the table. Subjects held this position for 90 seconds (Load I). Subjects then either received massage on the lumbar region or rested for 5 minutes, then repeated the same load (Load II). Skin blood flow (SBF), muscle blood volume (MBV), skin temperature (ST), and subjects' subjective feelings of fatigue were evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). RESULTS: An increase of MBV between pre- and post-load II periods was higher after massage than after rest (p<0.05). An increase of SBF at pre- and post-load II was observed only under massage condition. An increase of SBF between post-load I and pre-load II periods was higher after massage than after rest (p<0.05). An increase of ST between post-load I and post-load II periods was greater after massage than after rest (p<0.05). The VAS score was lower with massage than with rest in the post-treatment period (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A significant difference was observed between massage and rest condition on VAS for muscle fatigue. Lumbar massage administration also appeared to have some effect on increasing skin temperature and enhancement of blood flow in local regions.
Mori2004
Effects of leg massage on recovery from high intensity cycling exercise.
A
Robertson
author
J
M
Watt
author
S
D
R
Galloway
author
2004-Apr
text
Br J Sports Med
continuing
periodical
academic journal
0306-3674
2004-Apr
38
2
173
176
BACKGROUND: The effect of massage on recovery from high intensity
exercise is debatable. Many studies on massage suffer from
methodological flaws such as poor standardisation of previous
exercise, lack of dietary control, and inappropriate massage
duration. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of leg massage compared
with passive recovery on lactate clearance, muscular power output,
and fatigue characteristics after repeated high intensity cycling
exercise, with the conditions before the intervention controlled and
standardised. METHODS: Nine male games players participated. They
attended the laboratory on two occasions one week apart and at the
same time of day. Dietary intake and activity were replicated for the
two preceding days on each occasion. After baseline measurement of
heart rate and blood lactate concentration, subjects performed a
standardised warm up on the cycle ergometer. This was followed by six
standardised 30 second high intensity exercise bouts, interspersed
with 30 seconds of active recovery. After five minutes of active
recovery and either 20 minutes of leg massage or supine passive rest,
subjects performed a second standardised warm up and a 30 second
Wingate test. Capillary blood samples were drawn at intervals, and
heart rate, peak power, mean power, and fatigue index were recorded.
RESULTS: There were no significant differences in mean power during
the initial high intensity exercise bouts (p = 0.92). No main effect
of massage was observed on blood lactate concentration between trials
(p = 0.82) or heart rate (p = 0.81). There was no difference in the
maximum power (p = 0.75) or mean power (p = 0.66) in the subsequent
Wingate test, but a significantly lower fatigue index was observed in
the massage trial (p = 0.04; mean (SD) fatigue index 30.2 (4.1)% v
34.2 (3.3)%). CONCLUSIONS: No measurable physiological effects of leg
massage compared with passive recovery were observed on recovery from
high intensity exercise, but the subsequent effect on fatigue index
warrants further investigation.
Robertson2004
The effects of massage on intra muscular temperature in the vastus lateralis in humans.
B
Drust
author
G
Atkinson
author
W
Gregson
author
D
French
author
D
Binningsley
author
2003-Aug
text
Int J Sports Med
continuing
periodical
academic journal
0172-4622
2003-Aug
24
6
395
399
The aim of the current investigation was to evaluate the effect of
different durations of massage, and ultrasound treatment, on the
temperature of the vastus lateralis muscle in males. Deep effleurage
massage of the vastus lateralis was performed on seven healthy males
(mean +/- SD; age; 28 +/- 4 years, height 1.84 +/- 0.05 m, body mass
85.7 +/- 12 kg) for 5, 10 and 15 min periods. A 5-min period of
ultrasound at 45 KHz was also completed by all subjects. Intra
muscular temperature (at 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 cm) and thigh skin
temperature were assessed pre and post treatment. Heart rate was
monitored continuously throughout all conditions. Pre treatment intra
muscular temperature increased as depth of measurement increased (p =
0.00002). Changes in muscle temperature at 1.5 and 2.5 cm were
significantly greater following massage than ultrasound (p <
0.002). No significant differences between massage treatments and
ultrasound were noted when intra muscular temperature was measured at
3.5 cm (p > 0.05). Massage also significantly increased both heart
rate and thigh skin temperature compared to ultrasound (p <
0.005). Increases in intra muscular temperature, heart rate and thigh
skin temperature were the same irrespective of massage duration.
These data suggest that massage and ultrasound have only limited
effects on deep muscle temperature. As a result such approaches may
not be suitable as a preparation strategy for exercise.\
Drust2003
10.1055/s-2003-41182
Effect of recovery interventions on lactate removal and subsequent performance.
J
Monedero
author
B
Donne
author
2000-Nov
text
Int J Sports Med
continuing
periodical
academic journal
0172-4622
2000-Nov
21
8
593
597
The recovery process in sport plays an essential role in determining subsequent athletic performance. This study investigated the effectiveness of different recovery interventions after maximal exercise. Eighteen trained male cyclists initially undertook an incremental test to determine maximal oxygen consumption. The four recovery interventions tested were: passive, active (50% maximal oxygen uptake), massage, and combined (involving active and massage components). All test sessions were separated by 2 to 3 days. During intervention trials subjects performed two simulated 5 km maximal effort cycling tests (T1 and T2) separated by a 20 min recovery. Performance time for the tests (t1, t2); blood lactate (BLa) during T1, T2, and every 3 min during recovery; and heart rate (HR) during the recovery intervention and T2 were recorded. Combined recovery was found to be better than passive (P<0.01) and either active or massage (P<0.05) in maintenance of performance time during T2. Active recovery was the most effective intervention for removing BLa at minutes 9 and 12, BLa removal during combined recovery was significantly better than passive at minute 3, and significantly better than passive, active, and massage at minute 15. In conclusion, combined recovery was the most efficient intervention for maintaining maximal performance time during T2, and active recovery was the best intervention for removing BLa.
Monedero2000
Effects of massage on physiological restoration, perceived recovery, and repeated sports performance.
B
Hemmings
author
M
Smith
author
J
Graydon
author
R
Dyson
author
2000-Apr
text
Br J Sports Med
continuing
periodical
academic journal
0306-3674
2000-Apr
34
2
109
109
BACKGROUND: Despite massage being widely used by athletes, little scientific evidence exists to confirm the efficacy of massage for promoting both physiological and psychological recovery after exercise and massage effects on performance. AIM: To investigate the effect of massage on perceived recovery and blood lactate removal, and also to examine massage effects on repeated boxing performance. METHODS: Eight amateur boxers completed two performances on a boxing ergometer on two occasions in a counterbalanced design. Boxers initially completed performance 1, after which they received a massage or passive rest intervention. Each boxer then gave perceived recovery ratings before completing a second performance, which was a repeated simulation of the first. Heart rates and blood lactate and glucose levels were also assessed before, during, and after all performances. RESULTS: A repeated measures analysis of variance showed no significant group differences for either performance, although a main effect was found showing a decrement in punching force from performance 1 to performance 2 (p<0.05). A Wilcoxon matched pairs test showed that the massage intervention significantly increased perceptions of recovery (p<0.01) compared with the passive rest intervention. A doubly multivariate multiple analysis of variance showed no differences in blood lactate or glucose following massage or passive rest interventions, although the blood lactate concentration after the second performance was significantly higher following massage (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide some support for the psychological benefits of massage, but raise questions about the benefit of massage for physiological restoration and repeated sports performance.
Hemmings2000
Massage and ultrasound as therapeutic modalities in exercise-induced muscle damage.
P
M
Tiidus
author
1999-Jun
text
Can J Appl Physiol
continuing
periodical
academic journal
1066-7814
1999-Jun
24
3
267
278
Although both massage and ultrasound treatment are used in clinical settings to enhance muscle functional recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage, there is a paucity of experimental evidence for their efficacy. Theoretically both massage and ultrasound could affect some physiological factors associated with enhancement of postexercise muscle recovery. However, the actual physiological mechanisms by which massage or ultrasound could influence postexercise muscle damage and repair are unknown. Most experimental evidence suggests that massage has little influence on muscle blood flow, clearance of "noxious" substances, recovery of postexercise muscle strength, or delayed soreness sensation. However, more data is needed before conclusions can be drawn as to the ability of massage to influence postexercise inflammatory response or various other physiological changes that characterize exercise-induced muscle damage and repair. There is even less information on the ability of ultrasound to influence physiological or functional factors associated with postexercise muscle damage. The few experiments that have been done tend to be contradictory and have yet to consider the range of ultrasound treatment parameters for therapeutic effectiveness in treating postexercise damage and influencing repair processes. Much more research is needed to determine whether either treatment modality can have any therapeutic effect on exercise-induced muscle damage and recovery of postexercise muscle function.
Tiidus1999
Does post-exercise massage treatment reduce delayed onset muscle soreness? A systematic review.
E
Ernst
author
1998-Sep
text
Br J Sports Med
continuing
periodical
academic journal
0306-3674
1998-Sep
32
3
212
214
BACKGROUND: Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a frequent problem after unaccustomed exercise. No universally accepted treatment exists. Massage therapy is often recommended for this condition but uncertainty exists about its effectiveness. AIM: To determine whether post-exercise massage alleviates the symptoms of DOMS after a bout of strenuous exercise. METHOD: Various computerised literature searches were carried out and located seven controlled trials. RESULTS: Most of the trials were burdened with serious methodological flaws, and their results are far from uniform. However, most suggest that post-exercise massage may alleviate symptoms of DOMS. CONCLUSIONS: Massage therapy may be a promising treatment for DOMS. Definitive studies are warranted.
Ernst1998
Failure of manual massage to alter limb blood flow: measures by Doppler ultrasound.
J
K
Shoemaker
author
P
M
Tiidus
author
R
Mader
author
1997-May
text
Med Sci Sports Exerc
continuing
periodical
academic journal
0195-9131
1997-May
29
5
610
614
The ability of manual massage to alter muscle blood flow through three types of massage treatments in a small (forearm) and a large (quadriceps) muscle mass was tested in 10 healthy individuals. A certified massage therapist administered effleurage, petrissage, and tapotement treatments to the forearm flexors (small muscle mass) and quadriceps (large muscle mass) muscle groups in a counterbalanced manner. Limb blood flow was determined from mean blood velocity (MBV) (pulsed Doppler) and vessel diameter (echo Doppler). MBV values were obtained from the continuous data sets prior to treatment, and at 5, 10, and 20 s and 5 min following the onset of massage. Arterial diameters were measured immediately prior to and following the massage treatments; these values were not different and were averaged for the blood flow calculations. The MBV (e.g., 5.77 +/- 0.4 and 9.73 +/- 0.7 cm.s-1) and blood flows (39.1 +/- 6.4 and 371 +/- 30 ml.min-1) for brachial and femoral arteries, respectively, were not altered by any of the massage treatments in either the forearm or quadriceps muscle groups (P > 0.05). Mild voluntary handgrip (approximately 35% maximal voluntary isometric contraction) and knee extension (15 cm) contractions resulted in peak blood velocities (15.2 +/- 1.2 and 28.1 +/- 3.1 cm.s-1) and blood flow (126 +/- 19 and 1087 +/- 144 ml.min-1) for brachial and femoral arteries, respectively, which were significantly elevated from rest (P < 0.05). The results indicate that manual massage does not elevate muscle blood flow irrespective of massage type or the muscle mass receiving the treatment. Further, the results indicate that if an elevated muscle blood flow is the desired therapeutic effect, then light exercise would be beneficial whereas massage would not.
Shoemaker1997
Manual massage and recovery of muscle function following exercise: a literature review.
P
M
Tiidus
author
1997-Feb
text
J Orthop Sports Phys Ther
continuing
periodical
academic journal
0190-6011
1997-Feb
25
2
107
112
There is currently little scientific evidence that manual massage has any significant impact on the short- or long-term recovery of muscle function following exercise or on the physiological factors associated with the recovery process. In addition, delayed onset muscle soreness may not be affected by massage. Light exercise of the affected muscles is probably more effective than massage in improving muscle blood flow (thereby possibly enhancing healing) and temporarily reducing delayed onset muscle soreness. This paper reviews current scientific evidence on the use of manual massage to affect: 1) muscle damage caused by eccentric muscle action; 2) retention and recovery of muscle strength and performance following "eccentric-mechanical" muscle damage; 3) reduction of delayed onset muscle soreness following "eccentric-mechanical" muscle damage; and 4) recovery of muscle strength and performance following anaerobic exercise. Because manual massage does not appear to have a demonstrated effect on the above, its use in athletic settings for these purposes should be questioned.
Tiidus1997
Comparative study of lactate removal in short term massage of extremities, active recovery and a passive recovery period after supramaximal exercise sessions.
S
Gupta
author
A
Goswami
author
A
K
Sadhukhan
author
D
N
Mathur
author
1996-Feb
text
Int J Sports Med
continuing
periodical
academic journal
0172-4622
1996-Feb
17
2
106
110
This investigation highlights the comparison of blood lactate removal during the period of recovery in which the subjects were required to sit down as a passive rest period, followed by active recovery at 30% VO(2)max and short term body massage, as the three modes of recovery used. Ten male athletes participated in the study. Exercise was performed on a bicycle ergometer with loads at 150% VO(2)max, each session lasting 1 min, interspaced with 15 sec rest periods, until exhaustion. Blood lactate concentration was recorded at recovery periods of 0,3, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 min, while VO(2), VCO(2) and heart rate were recorded every 30 sec for 30 min. The highest mean lactate value was found after 3 min of recovery irrespective of the type of modality applied. Significantly lower half life of lactate was observed during active recovery (15.7 +/- 2.5 min) period, while short term massage as a means of recovery required 21.8 +/- 3.5 min and did not show any significant difference from a passive type of sitting recovery period of 21.5 +/- 2.8 min. Analysis of lactate values indicated no remarkable difference between massage and a passive type of sitting recovery period. It was observed that in short term massage recovery, more oxygen was consumed as compared to a passive type of sitting recovery. It is concluded from the study that the short term body massage is ineffective in enhancing the lactate removal and that an active type of recovery is the best modality for enhancing lactate removal after exercise.
Gupta1996
Effleurage massage, muscle blood flow and long-term post-exercise strength recovery.
P
M
Tiidus
author
J
K
Shoemaker
author
1995-Oct
text
Int J Sports Med
continuing
periodical
academic journal
0172-4622
1995-Oct
16
7
478
483
Manual massage is commonly assumed to enhance long term muscle recovery from intense exercise, partly due to its ability to speed healing via enhanced muscle blood flow. We tested these assumptions by daily (for four days) massaging the quadriceps muscles of one leg on subjects who had previously completed an intense bout of eccentric quadriceps work with both legs. Immediate post-exercise isometric and dynamic quadriceps peak torque measures had declined to approximately 60-70% of pre-exercise values in both legs. Peak torques for both the massage and control leg tended to slowly return toward pre-exercise values through the subsequent four days (96 hrs). There was no significant difference between the isometric and dynamic peak torques between massage and control legs up to 96 hours post-exercise. Leg blood flow was estimated by determining femoral artery and vein mean blood velocities via pulsed Doppler ultrasound velocimetry. Massage of the quadriceps muscles did not significantly elevate arterial or venous mean blood velocity above resting levels, while light quadriceps muscle contractions did. The perceived level of delayed onset muscle soreness tended to be reduced in the massaged leg 48-96 hours post-exercise. It was concluded that massage was not an effective treatment modality for enhancing long term restoration of post-exercise muscle strength and its use for this purpose in athletic settings should be questioned.
Tiidus1995
Effects of whole body massage on serum protein, electrolyte and hormone concentrations, enzyme activities, and hematological parameters.
P
J
Arkko
author
A
J
Pakarinen
author
O
Kari-Koskinen
author
1983-Nov
text
Int J Sports Med
continuing
periodical
academic journal
0172-4622
1983-Nov
4
4
265
267
The effects of a 1-h whole body massage on blood parameters were studied in nine healthy male volunteers. The venous blood samples were drawn just before treatment, immediately after, and after 2, 24, and 48 h. The parameters measured were blood leukocyte and erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, red cell indices, the activities of serum creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and their isoenzymes, and the concentrations of serum sodium, potassium, total protein, haptoglobin, growth hormone, prolactin, cortisol, and plasma corticotropin. Decreases in serum haptoglobin concentrations suggested slight hemolysis. The rises in the activities of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and its isoenzymes LDH4 and LDH5 and in the concentrations of serum potassium are indicative of increased permeability of the muscle cells. No statistically significant changes were seen for the other parameters. There were large individual variabilities in the hormone concentrations after massage, but some trends could be seen.
Arkko1983
Physiology
Enhanced: Lactic Acid—The Latest Performance-Enhancing Drug
David
Allen
author
Håkan
Westerblad
author
2004-08-20
text
Science
continuing
periodical
academic journal
10.1126/science.1103078
Allen2004
http://www.sciencemag.org
2004-8-20
305
5687
1112
1113
Lactate metabolism
a new paradigm for the third millennium
L
B
Gladden
author
2004-07-183
text
The Journal of Physiology
continuing
periodical
academic journal
For much of the 20th century, lactate was largely considered a
dead-end waste product of glycolysis due to hypoxia, the primary
cause of the O2 debt following exercise, a major cause of muscle
fatigue, and a key factor in acidosis-induced tissue damage. Since
the 1970s, a 'lactate revolution' has occurred. At present, we are in
the midst of a lactate shuttle era; the lactate paradigm has shifted.
It now appears that increased lactate production and concentration as
a result of anoxia or dysoxia are often the exception rather than the
rule. Lactic acidosis is being re-evaluated as a factor in muscle
fatigue. Lactate is an important intermediate in the process of wound
repair and regeneration. The origin of elevated [lactate] in injury
and sepsis is being re-investigated. There is essentially unanimous
experimental support for a cell-to-cell lactate shuttle, along with
mounting evidence for astrocyte-neuron, lactate-alanine, peroxisomal
and spermatogenic lactate shuttles. The bulk of the evidence suggests
that lactate is an important intermediary in numerous metabolic
processes, a particularly mobile fuel for aerobic metabolism, and
perhaps a mediator of redox state among various compartments both
within and between cells. Lactate can no longer be considered the
usual suspect for metabolic 'crimes', but is instead a central player
in cellular, regional and whole body metabolism. Overall, the
cell-to-cell lactate shuttle has expanded far beyond its initial
conception as an explanation for lactate metabolism during muscle
contractions and exercise to now subsume all of the other shuttles as
a grand description of the role(s) of lactate in numerous metabolic
processes and pathways.
10.1113/jphysiol.2003.058701
Gladden2004
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1113/jphysiol.2003.058701
2004-07-183
558
1
5
30
Point:Counterpoint
Lactic acid accumulation is an advantage/disadvantage
during muscle activity
Graham
D
Lamb
author
D
George
Stephenson
author
Jens
Bangsbo
author
Carsten
Juel
author
2006-04-01
text
Journal of Applied Physiology
continuing
periodical
academic journal
10.1152/japplphysiol.00023.2006
Lamb2006
http://jap.physiology.org
2006-4-1
100
4
1410
1412
Lactic acid accumulation is an advantage/disadvantage during
muscle activity
Michael
Ivan
Lindinger
author
George
A
Brooks
author
Gregory
C
Henderson
author
Takeshi
Hashimoto
author
Tamara
Mau
author
Jill
A
Fattor
author
Michael
A
Horning
author
Raja
Hussien
author
Hyung-Sook
Cho
author
Nastaran
Faghihnia
author
Zinta
Zarins
author
L
Bruce
Gladden
author
Michael
C
Hogan
author
John
Vissing
author
Russell
Tupling
author
2006-06-01
text
Journal of Applied Physiology
continuing
periodical
academic journal
10.1152/japplphysiol.00213.2006
Lindinger2006
http://jap.physiology.org
2006-6-1
100
6
2100
2102
Intracellular Acidosis Enhances the Excitability of Working Muscle
Thomas
H
Pedersen
author
Ole
B
Nielsen
author
Graham
D
Lamb
author
D
George
Stephenson
author
2004-08-20
text
Science
continuing
periodical
academic journal
Intracellular acidification of skeletal muscles is commonly thought
to contribute to muscle fatigue. However, intracellular acidosis also
acts to preserve muscle excitability when muscles become depolarized,
which occurs with working muscles. Here, we show that this process
may be mediated by decreased chloride permeability, which enables
action potentials to still be propagated along the internal network
of tubules in a muscle fiber (the T system) despite muscle
depolarization. These results implicate chloride ion channels in
muscle function and emphasize that intracellular acidosis of muscle
has protective effects during muscle fatigue.
10.1126/science.1101141
Pedersen2004
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/305/5687/1144
2004-8-20
305
5687
1144
1147
Investigating the Mechanisms of Massage Efficacy: The Role of Mechanical Immunomodulation
text
journalArticle
Waters-Banker
Christine
aut
Dupont-Versteegden
Esther E.
aut
Kitzman
Patrick H.
aut
Butterfield
Timothy A.
aut
10.4085/1062-6050-49.2.25
http://dx.doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-49.2.25
periodical
Journal of Athletic Training
Journal of Athletic Training
2014
49
2
266
273
March 1, 2014
continuing
1062-6050
Massage has the potential to attenuate the inflammatory process,
facilitate early recovery, and provide pain relief from muscular
injuries. In this hypothesis-driven paper, we integrate the concept of
mechanotransduction with the application of massage to explore
beneficial mechanisms. By altering signaling pathways involved with the
inflammatory process, massage may decrease secondary injury, nerve
sensitization, and collateral sprouting, resulting in increased recovery
from damage and reduction or prevention of pain. Our goal is to provide
a framework that describes our current understanding of the mechanisms
whereby massage therapy activates potentially beneficial
immunomodulatory pathways.
Waters-Banker2014
Muscle Fatigue
Lactic Acid or Inorganic Phosphate the Major Cause?
Hakan
Westerblad
author
David
G
Allen
author
Jan
Lannergren
author
2002-02-01
text
News in Physiological Sciences
continuing
periodical
academic journal
Intracellular acidosis due mainly to lactic acid accumulation has
been regarded as the most important cause of skeletal muscle fatigue.
Recent studies on mammalian muscle, however, show little direct
effect of acidosis on muscle function at physiological temperatures.
Instead, inorganic phosphate, which increases during fatigue due to
breakdown of creatine phosphate, appears to be a major cause of
muscle fatigue.
Westerblad2002
http://physiologyonline.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/17/1/17
2002-2-1
17
1
17
21
Massage Therapy Attenuates Inflammatory Signaling After Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage
Justin
D
Crane
author
Daniel
I
Ogborn
author
Colleen
Cupido
author
Simon
Melov
author
Alan
Hubbard
author
Jacqueline
M
Bourgeois
author
Mark
A
Tarnopolsky
author
2012-02-01
text
journal article
Science Translational Medicine
continuing
periodical
academic journal
Massage therapy is commonly used during physical rehabilitation of
skeletal muscle to ameliorate pain and promote recovery from injury.
Although there is evidence that massage may relieve pain in injured
muscle, how massage affects cellular function remains unknown. To assess
the effects of massage, we administered either massage therapy or no
treatment to separate quadriceps of 11 young male participants after
exercise-induced muscle damage. Muscle biopsies were acquired from the
quadriceps (vastus lateralis) at baseline, immediately after 10 min of
massage treatment, and after a 2.5-hour period of recovery. We found
that massage activated the mechanotransduction signaling pathways focal
adhesion kinase (FAK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2
(ERK1/2), potentiated mitochondrial biogenesis signaling [nuclear
peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α
(PGC-1α)], and mitigated the rise in nuclear factor κB (NFκB)
(p65) nuclear accumulation caused by exercise-induced muscle trauma.
Moreover, despite having no effect on muscle metabolites (glycogen,
lactate), massage attenuated the production of the inflammatory
cytokines tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF-α) and interleukin–6
(IL-6) and reduced heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) phosphorylation,
thereby mitigating cellular stress resulting from myofiber injury. In
summary, when administered to skeletal muscle that has been acutely
damaged through exercise, massage therapy appears to be clinically
beneficial by reducing inflammation and promoting mitochondrial
biogenesis.
Crane2012
10.1126/scitranslmed.3002882
http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/4/119/119ra13.abstract
2012-02-01
4
119
119ra13
119ra13
Massage Impairs Postexercise Muscle Blood Flow and "Lactic Acid" Removal
E
Victoria
Wiltshire
author
Veronica
Poitras
author
Melissa
Pak
author
Terence
Hong
author
Jay
Rayner
author
Michael
E
Tschakovsky
author
2010
text
journal article
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
continuing
periodical
academic journal
0195-9131
Purpose: This study tested the hypothesis that one of the ways sports
massage aids muscle recovery from exercise is by increasing muscle blood
flow to improve "lactic acid" removal. Methods: Twelve
subjects performed 2 min of strenuous isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise
at 40% maximum voluntary contraction to elevate forearm muscle lactic
acid. Forearm blood flow (FBF; Doppler and Echo ultrasound of the
brachial artery) and deep venous forearm blood lactate and H+
concentration ([Laup>–], [H+]) were measured every minute for 10 min
post-IHG under three conditions: passive (passive rest), active
(rhythmic exercise at 10% maximum voluntary contraction), and massage
(effleurage and pétrissage). Arterialized [La–] and [H+] from a
superficial heated hand vein was measured at baseline. Results: Data are
presented as mean ± SE. Venoarterial [La–] difference
([La–]v-a) at 30 s of post-IHG was the same across conditions
(passive = 6.1 ± 0.6 mmol x L(-1), active = 5.7 ± 0.6
mmol x L(-1), massage = 5.5 ± 0.6 mmol x L(-1), NS), whereas
FBF was greater in passive (766 ± 101 mL x min(-1)) versus active
(614 ± 62 mL x min(-1), P = 0.003) versus massage (540 ± 60
mL x min(-1), P < 0.0001). Total FBF area under the curve (AUC)
for 10 min after handgrip was significantly higher in passive versus
massage (4203 ± 531 vs 3178 ± 304 mL, P = 0.024) but not versus
active (3584 ± 284 mL, P = 0.217). La– efflux (FBF x [La-]v-a)
AUC mirrored FBF AUC (passive = 20.5 ± 2.8 mmol
vs massage = 14.7 ± 1.6 mmol, P = 0.03, vs active = 15.4 ± 1.9
mmol, P = 0.064). H+ efflux (FBF x [H+]v-a) was greater in
passive versus massage at 30 s (2.2 ± 0.4e(-5_ vs 1.3 ±
0.2e(-5) mmol, P < 0.001) and 1.5 min (1.0 ± 0.2e(-5) vs 0.6
± 0.09e(-5) mmol, P = 0.003) after IHG. Conclusions: Massage
impairs La– and H+ removal from muscle after strenuous exercise by
mechanically impeding blood flow.
LACTATE
ISOMETRIC HANDGRIP
ATHLETIC THERAPY
PETRISSAGE
EFFLEURAGE
00005768-201006000-00004
http://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Fulltext/2010/06000/Massage_Impairs_Postexercise_Muscle_Blood_Flow_and.4.aspx
2010
42
6
Blood lactate disappearance at various intensities of recovery exercise
S
Powers,
S
K
Callender,
T
Brooks,
E
Dodd
author
1984-11-01
text
journal article
Journal of Applied Physiology
continuing
periodical
academic journal
Numerous studies have reported that following intense exercise the rate
of blood lactate (La) disappearance is greater during continuous aerobic
work than during passive recovery. Recent work indicates that a
combination of high- and low-intensity work may be optimal in reducing
blood La. We tested this hypothesis by measuring the changes in blood La
levels following maximal exercise during four different recovery
patterns. Immediately following 50 S of maximal work, subjects (n = 7)
performed one of the following recovery treatments for 40 min: 1)
passive recovery (PR); 2) cycling at 35% maximal O2 uptake (VO2 max)
(35% R); 3) cycling at 65% VO2 max (65% R); 4) cycling at 65% for 7 min
followed by cycling at 35% for 33 min (CR). The treatment order was
counterbalanced with each subject performing all treatments. Serial
blood samples were obtained throughout recovery treatments and analyzed
for La. The rate of blood La disappearance was significantly greater (P
less than 0.05) in both the 35% R and CR when compared with either the
65% R or PR. No significant difference (P greater than 0.05) existed in
the rate of blood La disappearance between the 35% R and CR. These data
do not support the hypothesis that exercise recovery at a combination of
intensities is superior to a recovery involving continuous submaximal
exercise in lowering blood La following maximal work.
Dodd1984
http://jap.physiology.org/content/57/5/1462.abstract
1984-11-01
57
5
1462
1465