The Immediate Effects of Manual Massage of Forearm on Power-Grip Strength and Endurance in Healthy Young Men

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the immediate effects of a single massage session on hand grip strength and endurance after isometric exercise in healthy young men under controlled conditions.MethodsA total of 44 healthy young men from a university population participated in the study. They were randomized to receive either massage or passive movement intervention. Hand grip endurance and hand grip strength in both groups were recorded using a Jamar hand grip dynamometer and a digital chronometer before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, and paired t test as well as independent t test.ResultsPre-and postmean hand grip endurance times for the massage group were 38.4 ± 12 and 46.5 ± 13 seconds (P < .001), and hand grip strength values were 43 ± 5.6 and 45.7 ± 5.3 kg (P = .077). Pre-and postmean hand grip endurance times for the passive movement group were 33 ± 12.3 and 31.9 ± 10.7 seconds (P = .513), and hand grip strength values were 42.8 ± 6 and 42.9 ± 5.6 kg (P = .854).ConclusionImmediately after 1 session of massage to the forearm and hand, the grip endurance improved in a group of healthy young men. However, passive movement of the upper limb for 1 session did not enhance grip performance.