Effect of sports massage on recovery and post-fatigue physical performance in athletes: comparative study

Authors

  • Isabel Adriana Sánchez Rojas Universidad Santo Tomás
  • Harol Pachón Universidad Santo Tomás
  • Carlos Iván Patiño Universidad Santo Tomás
  • Yenny Paola Argüello Gutiérrez Universidad Santo Tomás

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64197/Kronos.1.25.1029

Keywords:

massage, sports massage, physical performance

Abstract

Objective: To determine the impact of sports massage in three intervention groups on physical performance variables.  Method: quantitative, experimental study with the participation of 35 athletes who were randomly linked to three intervention groups: massage, active recovery, and control, after having been evaluated both pre and post intervention. As part of the tests, the following were considered: pain, subjective perception of effort, jump test and maximum resistance test in squat. To compare the means obtained in the pre-test and post-test assessments, the student’s t-test for related samples was applied. Results: the analysis revealed significant differences in the massage group for pain and perceived exertion (p<0,001). In contrast, the active recovery group showed significant differences in pain, perceived exertion (p<0,001), and physical performance outcomes (p= 0,001). Conclusions: massage demonstrated a significant effect on pain reduction and perceived exertion; however, no significant improvements in physical performance were observed.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Arias Padilla, I., Moya Ortega, M., Ramírez Herrera, S., León Vasco, L. M., Gómez Sánchez, W., Parra Fernández, X., López Cuervo, J., & Arenas Granada, J. (2026). Efectividad del masaje en la recuperación muscular: Ensayo clínico aleatorizado. Retos, 74, 781–795.

https://revistaretos.org/index.php/retos/article/view/118033

Arsovski, D. (2025). Deep tissue massage therapy: Effects on muscle recovery and performance in athletes. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, 18(2), 40–51.

Bosco, C., & Riu, J. (1994). La valoración de la fuerza con el test de Bosco (pp. 35–138). Paidotribo.

Brzycki, M. (1993). Strength testing—Predicting a one-rep max from reps-to-fatigue. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 64(1), 88–90.

https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.1993.10606684

Budak, H., Trybulski, R., Roczniok, R., Olaniszyn, G., & Wilk, M. (2024). Sports massage and blood flow restriction combined with cold therapy accelerate muscle recovery after fatigue in mixed martial arts athletes: A randomized controlled trial. Biology, 10(2), 194.

https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10020194

Buoite Stella, A., Ruzza, F. R., Callovini, A., Bortolan, L., Martini, M., Sabot, R., & Schena, F. (2025). Immediate effects of sports massage on muscle strength, power and balance after simulated trail running in the cold. Sport Sciences for Health.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-025-01348-3

Davis, H. L., Alabed, S., & Chico, T. J. A. (2020). Effect of sports massage on performance and recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 6(1), e000614.

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000614

Dakić, M., Toskić, L., Ilić, V., & Đurić, S. (2023). The effects of massage therapy on sport and exercise performance: A systematic review. Sports, 11(6), 110.

https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11060110

Delextrat, A., Calleja, J., Hippocrate, A., & Clarke, N. (2013). Effects of sports massage and intermittent cold-water immersion on recovery from matches by basketball players. Journal of Sports Sciences, 31(1), 11–19.

https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2012.719241

Del Tío, R. (2019). Procesos de masajes y drenajes vasculares: Fundamentos.

http://www.preparadores.eu/secundaria/Asesoria-y-Procesos-de-Imagen-Personal/Asesoria-y-Procesos-de-Imagen-Personal-Tema.pdf

Dupont, G., Moalla, W., Guinhouya, C., Ahmaidi, S., & Berthoin, S. (2004). Passive versus active recovery during high-intensity intermittent exercises. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 36(2), 302–308.

https://doi.org/10.1249/01.MSS.0000113477.11483.37

Fateev, I. (2023). Developing personalized recovery strategies for athletes: Methods and approaches. American Journal of Sports Science, 11(2), 50–53.

Franklin, N. C., Ali, M. M., Robinson, A. T., Norkeviciute, E., & Phillips, S. A. (2014). Massage therapy restores peripheral vascular function following exertion-induced muscle injury. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95(6), 1127–1134.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2014.01.002

Karangmalang, Y. (2024). The effect of sports massage and active recovery on fatigue parameters in karate athletes. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis, 6(7), HR28.

Martin, N. A., Zoeller, R. F., Robertson, R. J., & Lephart, S. M. (1998). The comparative effects of sports massage, active recovery, and rest in promoting blood lactate clearance after supramaximal leg exercise. Journal of Athletic Training, 33(1), 30–35.

Marroyo, M. (2022). Efectos de la masoterapia. Universidad de Granada.

https://ugr.es/~marroyo/docs/temas/TEMA%204.pdf

Monteiro, E. R., Aguilera, L. M., Ruá-Alonso, M., Araújo, G. d. S., Corrêa Neto, V. G., Bentes, C. M., Vilaça-Alves, J., Reis, V. M., Ferreira, A. d. S., Marchetti, P. H., & Silva Novaes, J. da. (2025). Effect of manual massage, foam rolling, and strength training on hemodynamic and autonomic responses in adults: A scoping review. Healthcare, 13(12), 1371. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13121371

Raja Azidin, R. M. F., & Ismail, H. (2026). Sports massage or active exercise for DOMS relief? A systematic review and meta-analysis among healthy populations. Retos, 75, 101–118. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v75.117195

Rinder, A., & Sutherland, C. (1995). An investigation of the effects of massage on quadriceps performance after exercise fatigue. Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery, 1(4), 99–102.

Rodríguez, D. (2018). Beneficio del masaje deportivo en futbolistas amateur previo al entrenamiento para mejorar el rendimiento físico basado en revisión bibliográfica (Tesis doctoral). Universidad Galileo.

http://biblioteca.galileo.edu/tesario/bitstream/123456789/915/1/2018-T-lf-007_rodriguez_monzon_dolores_daniela.pdf

Ruíz, L., Martínez, C., Toranzo, R., Gil, J., Baryola, E., Amador, A., & Rodríguez, T. (2002). Características electrofisiológicas del reflejo H en pacientes con distrofia muscular progresiva tipo Duchenne. Revista CENIC: Ciencias Biológicas, 33(3), 87–93.

Trybulski, R., Roczniok, R., Olaniszyn, G., Svyshch, Y., Vovkanych, A., & Wilk, M. (2025). Sports massage and blood flow restriction combined with cold therapy accelerate muscle recovery after fatigue in mixed martial arts athletes: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 10(2), 194.

https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020194

Vázquez, J. (2009). El masaje terapéutico y deportivo. Mandala Ediciones.

Weerapon, P., Hume, P. A., & Kolt, G. S. (2005). The mechanisms of massage and effects on performance, muscle recovery and injury prevention. Sports Medicine, 35(3), 235–256.

https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200535030-00004

Published

2026-07-27

How to Cite

Sánchez Rojas, I. A., Pachón, H., Patiño, C. I., & Argüello Gutiérrez, Y. P. (2026). Effect of sports massage on recovery and post-fatigue physical performance in athletes: comparative study. KRONOS, 25(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.64197/Kronos.1.25.1029

Issue

Section

Artículos