The effects of massage therapy on delayed-onset muscle soreness after unaccustomed exercise for healthy, sedentary adults

Authors

Neal B. Finkelstein, Florida International University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Physical Therapy

First Advisor's Name

Richard Lopez

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Leonard Elbaum

Third Advisor's Name

Lorraine Gay

Keywords

Massage therapy

Date of Defense

1-12-1993

Abstract

This study examined the effects of massage therapy on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) following unaccustomed exercise in healthy, sedentary adults. Fifteen volunteers between the ages of 23 and 63 performed 100 calf raises followed by 15 minutes of rest. After the rest period, one leg was randomly assigned to receive a 5-minute massage while the other leg received a 5-minute placebo ultrasound treatment. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate DOMS at 24, 48, and 72 hour posttreatment intervals when DOMS reportedly is at its peak. A double blind control was employed so that the examiner was unaware as to which treatments were performed on each leg. A t-test for nonindependent samples was used with significance set at the 0.05 level. There was less DOMS reported in the massaged leg at each interval, however, only a significant reduction in DOMS was reported at the 24 hour posttreatment interval.

Identifier

FI15101402

Recommended Citation

Finkelstein, Neal B., "The effects of massage therapy on delayed-onset muscle soreness after unaccustomed exercise for healthy, sedentary adults" (1993). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3326.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3326