Monday

The effect of massage on creatine kinase and delayed onset muscle soreness in female distance runners

An increase in plasma creatine kinase (CK) and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) occurs after eccentric resistance exercises and downhill running. This study investigated the effect of a 20-minute leg massage on DOMS and CK after a ten-mile run. Creatine kinase levels and DOMS were assessed in ten female runners 31.1 ? 8.68 years of age.

Two hours post-run, the experimental group received a 2-hour massage while the control group rested. Blood samples were taken and perceived muscle soreness was assessed immediately pre-run, immediately post-run, immediately post-treatment, and 24 hours post-treatment.

There was no significant difference in CK levels between the control group and massage group. The control group experienced a significantly higher mean DOMS perception (2.65) than the massage group (0.965) (P<0.05). A 2-hour massage, 2 hours post-10-mile run does not reduce CK levels but may have an effect on perceived muscle soreness