C08. The Effectiveness of Thai Massage on the Range of Motion and Muscular Strength of the Arm in Collegiate Basketball Players, Mae Fah Luang University

Abstract

Introduction: Basketball is a fast pace sport, where the players are required to move quickly, catch and shoot the ball. Basketball players have been developed various techniques using upper limbs such as shooting, throwing, passing, and dribbling. In addition to exercise training for high level of physical fitness, sports massage with stimulating technique is also using for the short-term effectiveness.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Thai massage on the range of motion (ROM) of the right shoulder and muscular strength of the right arm in the collegiate basketball players.

Methods: Twenty subjects, aged from 19 to 24 years old, were equally randomized into two groups: Thai massage group was treated with Thai Massage program and control group was treated with Swedish massage program for 10 minutes. Shoulder ROM and grip strength were measured immediately before the intervention, and after the intervention. The duration of the trial was 2 times, with the first trial - two days off - the second trial.

Results: The results showed that Thai massage program improved range of motion of the right shoulder. Data showed a significant difference in shoulder abduction (p<0.05) and adduction (p<0.05) compared with control group. Additionally, Thai massage program significantly promoted short-term effect on muscular strength of the right arm (p<0.05) compared with control group in 2 trials.

Conclusion: These results suggested that the Thai massage program has an short-term effects on the range of motion of the right shoulder and muscular strength of the right arm, compared to Swedish massage in the control group.