Effect of lower limb massage on electromyography and force production of the kne

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Br J Sports Med. 2006 Feb;40(2):114-8.

Effect of lower limb massage on electromyography and force production

of the knee extensors.

Hunter AM, Watt JM, Watt V, Galloway SD.

Department of Sports Studies, University of Stirling, Stirling,

Scotland, UK. a.m.hunter1@...

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of massage on force production and

neuromuscular recruitment.

METHODS: Ten healthy male subjects performed isokinetic concentric

contractions on the knee extensors at speeds of 60, 120, 180, and 240

degrees /s. These contractions were performed before and after a 30

minute intervention of either rest in the supine position or lower

limb massage. Electromyography (EMG) and force data were captured

during the contractions.

RESULTS: The change in isokinetic mean force due to the intervention

showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) at 60 degrees /s and a trend

for a decrease (p = 0.08) at 120 degrees /s as a result of massage

compared with passive rest. However, there were no corresponding

differences in any of the EMG data. A reduction in force production

was shown at 60 degrees /s with no corresponding alteration in

neuromuscular activity.

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggests that motor unit recruitment and

muscle fibre conduction velocity are not responsible for the observed

reductions in force. Although experimental confirmation is necessary,

a possible explanation is that massage induced force loss by

influencing " muscle architecture " . However, it is possible that the

differences were only found at 60 degrees /s because it was the first

contraction after massage. Therefore muscle tension and architecture

after massage and the duration of any massage effect need to be

examined.