DIFFERENCES IN SELECTED PHYSIOLOGICAL VARIABLES OF RUNNERS BEFORE AND AFTER MASSAGE INTERVENTION

Mr. Kiran Kumar N. Y. and Dr. Gajanana Prabhu B.

Abstract

Today’s regime of competitive sport is very intensive and often causes athletes to become fatigued. A massage is generally defined as the mechanical manipulation of soft tissues using rhythmically applied moves and pressures with the purpose of enhancing health and well-being. Therapeutic massage is believed to increase muscle mass blood flow and muscle tissue temperature, thereby enhancing performance. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of single session sports massage on running performance of track athletes. The subjects for the present study were inter-collegiate and inter-University level track athletes pursuing Graduation in Karnataka during 2024-25. Sprinters, middle-distance and long distance runners were selected for the present investigation. Their age ranged between 18 to 28 years. Exclusion criteria included athletes with prominent health ailments and sports injuries. Sports massage interventions were carefully selected by the researcher on the basis of reviews gone through and expert suggestions. The pre-performance effects of massage protocol on running performance were assessed in the present investigation. The investigator himself took physiological test for peak expiratory flow and flexibility in ideal conditions. The post-event effects of massage protocol on physiological variables were assessed in the present investigation. The investigator himself assessed Peak Expiratory Flow capacity and Flexibility after adequate warm-up on DAY 1. Standard equipment and procedure were followed for the testing. A spirometer was used for testing Peak Expiratory flow and a Sit and Reach box was used for assessing flexibility. After a gap of seven days, on DAY 8 a time trial was followed by Massage session by the investigator as per pre-determined massage protocol. Immediately after massage session, each athlete was tested for same physiological parameters. Massage helps in improving Peak expiratory flow and flexibility in 100m, 1500m and 3000m runners after time trial followed by massage intervention.

Keywords: Massage Intervention, Massage Manipulation, Protocol, Physiological Variables, Flexibility and Peak Expiratory Flow.