The effects of therapeutic massage on delayed onset muscle soreness and muscle function following downhill walking

This study investigated the effects of a therapeutic massage on delayed onset muscle soreness and muscle function following downhill walking. Eight male subjects performed a 40-min downhill treadmill walk loaded with 10% of their body mass. A qualified masseur performed a 30-min therapeutic massage to one limb 2 hours post-walk. Muscle soreness, tenderness, isometric strength, isokinetic strength, and single leg vertical jump height were measured on two occasions before, and 1, 24, 72 and 120 hours post-walk for both limbs. Subjects showed significant (p<0.004) increases in soreness and tenderness for the non-massaged limb 24 hours post-walk with a significant (p<0.001) difference between the two limbs. A significant reduction in isometric strength was recorded for both limbs compared to baseline 1 hour post-walk. Isokinetic strength at 60degrees/sec and vertical jump height were significantly lower for the massaged limb at 1 and 24 hours post-walk. No significant differences were evident in the remaining testing variables. These results suggest that therapeutic massage may attenuate soreness and tenderness associated with delayed onset muscle soreness. However it may not be beneficial in the treatment of strength and functional declines.