Effectiveness of regular proactive massage therapy for novice recreational runners

ObjectivesTo assess effects of a regular massage program on novice runners over a longer-term training period.ParticipantsTwelve control and sixteen massage subjects took part in the study.SettingBoth groups participated in 10-week running preparation clinics.DesignAn individualized massage treatment plan was developed for each massage group participant. Massage group subjects met weekly with a registered massage therapist for a half hour massage. Control subjects were given no massage treatments.Main outcome measuresAll participants maintained a running journal that recorded running behavior: frequency, distance, intensity, and pain. At weeks 1, 5, and 10, muscle strength, leg pain, daily functioning, and running confidence were assessed.ResultsThe running behavior of both groups was similar (p > 0.05). Both groups experienced a considerable amount of pain when they ran. However, 100% of the massage group compared to 58.3% of control group completed the 10 km race.ConclusionsA regular massage therapy program during training did not improve indices of muscle strength, pain perception, daily functioning or running confidence. However, the entire massage group met their targeted running goals while only half of the control was able to do so however this difference may not be attributable to the massage intervention.