The effects of applied Thai massage on physical fitness among athletes : A pilot study

Abstract

Massage in athletes has been used for long time. However, its effect on physical fitness has not been reported. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the short-term effects of an applied Thai massage on physical fitness among athletes. Ten soccer players participated in the study.  Seven physical fitness tests consisted of the sit-and-reach test (flexibility), handgrip (strength), 40-yards technical test (agility), 50-meters speed (speed), sit-ups and push-ups (muscles endurance), multistage fitness test (VO₂ max ) were measured before and a day after 3 sessions of Thai massage. We found all of the physical fitness tests were significantly improved after the three sessions of Thai massage.