title: The effects of massage on delayed onset muscle soreness.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological and psychological effects of massage on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen volunteers were randomly assigned to either a massage or control group. DOMS was induced with six sets of eight maximal eccentric contractions of the right hamstring, which were followed 2 h later by 20 min of massage or sham massage (control). Peak torque and mood were assessed at 2, 6, 24, and 48 h postexercise. Range of motion (ROM) and intensity and unpleasantness of soreness were assessed at 6, 24, and 48 h postexercise. Neutrophil count was assessed at 6 and 24 h postexercise.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A two factor ANOVA (treatment v time) with repeated measures on the second factor showed no significant treatment differences for peak torque, ROM, neutrophils, unpleasantness of soreness, and mood (p > 0.05). The intensity of soreness, however, was significantly lower in the massage group relative to the control group at 48 h postexercise (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Massage administered 2 h after exercise induced muscle injury did not improve hamstring function but did reduce the intensity of soreness 48 h after muscle insult.
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences, Center for Health Sciences, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Hilbert
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Sforzo
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Swensen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000502:physiology; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors