A review of massage on physiological and psychological performance

Abstract

This paper aims to succinctly summarize the existing body of literature concerning the effects of massage on sports and exercise performance, particularly focusing on motor skills, neurophysiological factors, and psychological factors. The review adheres to the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) and encompasses a total of 76 articles. The findings suggest that, on the whole, massages do not exert a significant influence on motor skills, except for flexibility. Nevertheless, some studies propose that favorable changes in muscle force and muscular strength may be noticeable 48 hours after undergoing a massage. Regarding neurophysiological aspects, massages do not seem to impact factors such as clearance of blood lactate, circulation in the muscle, blood circulation, temperature in the muscle tissue, or activation of muscles. However, there is substantiated evidence supporting the idea that massages can alleviate pain and mitigate delayed-onset muscle soreness, potentially by reducing creatine kinase enzyme levels and through psychological processes. Additionally, the review underscores the psychological advantages of massage. It is documented that massage treatments lead to a reduction in feelings of depression, stress, anxiety, and perceived fatigue while simultaneously fostering enhancements in mood, relaxation, and opinion about recovery states. Massages may not have a direct impact on certain performance aspects, but they offer notable psychological benefits for sports, and exercise performance is questionable. They also play an indirect role as an important tool for promoting focus, relaxation, and recovery in athletes. Massages can aid athletes in staying mentally and physically prepared during competitions or training sessions.