Effectiveness Of Massage In Recovery From Exercise-Induced Muscle Injury In Older Adults

10.62591/ajpa.2025.13.09

Abstract

The study aims to evaluate massage as a recovery method for joint position, and balance after exercise-induced muscle injury in older adults. One hundred and seventy-five elderly patients performed an exercise session targeting the calf muscles (five exercises, six sets of 15 repetitions to induce muscle damage). The objectives of the study are to evaluate the role of massage and the Scottish cold shower in the recovery of older adult patients. After training, the participants underwent one of the recovery interventions: a 20-minute massage on the calves, a 12–15-minute Scottish cold shower on the lower limbs (12.5 ± 1°C). These interventions were administered immediately after exercise and again at 24, 48 and 72 hours over a period of 21 days. Conclusions: the measurements taken each time included muscle pain, joint position, and postural-balance balance. The treatments and the time allocated to repetitive massage significantly reduced muscle pain and improved balance. Conversely, although they alleviated muscle pain, they did not effectively prevent loss of muscle strength, balance deficits. Therefore, older people who engage in strength training can benefit from massage for longer to help with muscle recovery, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls.