Effects of Thai massage on physical fitness in soccer players.
[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Thai massage on physical fitness in soccer players. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-four soccer players were randomly assigned to receive either rest (the control group) or three 30-minute sessions of Thai massage over a period of 10 days. Seven physical fitness tests consisting of sit and reach, hand grip strength, 40 yards technical agility, 50-meter sprint, sit-ups, push-ups, and VO2, max were measured before and after Thai massage or rest. [Results] All the physical fitness tests were significantly improved after a single session of Thai massage, whereas only the sit and reach, and the sit-ups tests were improved in the control group. [Conclusion] Thai massage could provide an improvement in physical performance in soccer players.
Division of Exercise and Sport Sciences, Graduate School, Khon Kaen University: 123 Mittapap Rd, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand ; Research and Training Center for Enhancing Quality of Life of Working-Age People, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.
Chanawong
C
Hongsuwan
Research Center in Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance (BNOJPH), Khon Kaen University, Thailand ; Research and Training Center for Enhancing Quality of Life of Working-Age People, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.
Wichai
W
Eungpinichpong
Research Center in Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance (BNOJPH), Khon Kaen University, Thailand.
Uraiwan
U
Chatchawan
Graduate School of Human Health Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan ; Future Institute for Sport Science, Japan.
Junichiro
J
Yamauchi
Physical fitness; Soccer players; Thai massage