Effects of the systematic application of massage on perceptive, functional and performance parameters in swimmers: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Author(s)

Flávia Alves de Carvalho

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Presidente Prudente. 2020-08-25.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia. Presidente Prudente
• Defense date: 2020-08-03
• Advisor: Carlos Marcelo Pastre

Abstract

The literature has shown the importance of inserting recovery elements according to the specificities and context of the training. Despite the importance of integrating recovery into training, most swimming coaches do not implement individualized recovery methods. One of the widely used techniques is massage. The literature points to clear effects of massage on subjective variables. However, the effects on objective variables, such as performance, are not yet fully understood. Studies suggest that massage can improve the subsequent performance of swimmers and provide cumulative effects. Objectives: Thus, the objective of this study was i) to investigate the effects of applying massage in a systematic and integrated way to training on perceptual, functional and performance variables, ii) to identify the short-term effects of the technique in a single training session on perceptual variables, iii) explore the recovery provided by each intervention by means of an outcome evaluation formula and iv) the correlation between training loads and the athlete's perceptions. Methods: Twenty swimmers were randomized and allocated to three sequences of interventions that included superficial massage, deep massage and control. All swimmers performed all interventions in different orders at two-week intervals. Interventions were performed three times during one week between the resisted training and the swim training routinely performed and then the athletes were subjected to a battery of functional tests (bench press, vertical jump, sit and reach, shoulder proprioception) and performance tests (time total and technical index in the 100m crawl sprint), in addition to the collection of stroke characteristics (swim speed, frequency, length and stroke index). The perceptions and training loads were monitored throughout the study using the Swimmer's Perceptions of Effort Questionnaire (SPEQ) developed in a pilot study and the Training Impulse (TRIMP), calculated by the product training time and perceived exertion. Recovery was investigated by the average of functional, performance and perception scores. Results: Both superficial and deep massage reduced pain immediately after application in relation to control. However, there was no improvement in the variables of perception, performance, functional and recovery after one week of application. Even so, the application of superficial and deep massage was preferred by most athletes instead of the control condition. Weak to moderate correlations were observed between training load and perceptions, bench press test and technical index. Conclusions: Taking the acute effects and the athletes’ preference into account, massage can be a technique to be used between workouts in order to reduce pain. However, applying the technique three times during a week was not enough to improve performance in 100m crawl sprint of young swimmers. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/09680-8 - Effects of systematic massage application on swimming athletes performance: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
• Grantee: Flávia Alves de Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master