An interventional study of Sports Massage and Traditional Thai Massage in Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), sponsored by Akdeniz University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to male participants aged 18 Years to 30 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-10-23.
Sponsored by Akdeniz University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This study investigated the effects of sports massage and modified traditional Thai massage on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and recovery following strenuous exercise in healthy, physically inactive young men.
The study used a randomized, three-condition, three-period crossover design. Participants completed an exercise protocol designed to induce muscle soreness and subsequently received one of three recovery interventions: sports massage, modified traditional Thai massage, or passive recovery. Each participant underwent all three conditions in a randomized sequence, with a washout period between experimental sessions.
The recovery interventions were administered approximately six hours after exercise. Muscle soreness, pressure pain threshold, flexibility, vertical jump performance, and perceived physical performance were assessed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise.
The study aimed to compare the effects of the two massage approaches with passive recovery on perceived muscle soreness, mechanical pain sensitivity, and functional recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage.
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Participants assigned to Sequence ABC received sports massage in Period 1, traditional Thai massage in Period 2, and passive recovery in Period 3. Each intervention lasted 20 minutes and was administered approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. Experimental periods were separated by an approximately one-week washout interval.
Procedure: Sports Massage · Procedure: Traditional Thai Massage · Other: Passive Recovery
Participants assigned to Sequence ACB received sports massage in Period 1, passive recovery in Period 2, and traditional Thai massage in Period 3. Each intervention lasted 20 minutes and was administered approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. Experimental periods were separated by an approximately one-week washout interval.
Procedure: Sports Massage · Procedure: Traditional Thai Massage · Other: Passive Recovery
Participants assigned to Sequence BAC received traditional Thai massage in Period 1, sports massage in Period 2, and passive recovery in Period 3. Each intervention lasted 20 minutes and was administered approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. Experimental periods were separated by an approximately one-week washout interval.
Procedure: Sports Massage · Procedure: Traditional Thai Massage · Other: Passive Recovery
Participants assigned to Sequence BCA received traditional Thai massage in Period 1, passive recovery in Period 2, and sports massage in Period 3. Each intervention lasted 20 minutes and was administered approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. Experimental periods were separated by an approximately one-week washout interval.
Procedure: Sports Massage · Procedure: Traditional Thai Massage · Other: Passive Recovery
Participants assigned to Sequence CAB received passive recovery in Period 1, sports massage in Period 2, and traditional Thai massage in Period 3. Each intervention lasted 20 minutes and was administered approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. Experimental periods were separated by an approximately one-week washout interval.
Procedure: Sports Massage · Procedure: Traditional Thai Massage · Other: Passive Recovery
Participants assigned to Sequence CBA received passive recovery in Period 1, traditional Thai massage in Period 2, and sports massage in Period 3. Each intervention lasted 20 minutes and was administered approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. Experimental periods were separated by an approximately one-week washout interval.
Procedure: Sports Massage · Procedure: Traditional Thai Massage · Other: Passive Recovery
A standardized 20-minute sports massage was administered to the lower extremities approximately six hours after the plyometric exercise protocol. The intervention included manual massage techniques applied to the major lower-extremity muscle groups, following a standardized treatment protocol.
A standardized 20-minute modified traditional Thai massage protocol was administered to the lower extremities approximately six hours after the plyometric exercise protocol. The intervention incorporated Thai massage techniques adapted for the study, including manual pressure and assisted stretching techniques targeting the major lower-extremity muscle groups.
Participants rested quietly in the supine position for 20 minutes without receiving massage, stretching, or any other recovery intervention. The passive recovery session was conducted approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol.
Change From Baseline in Muscle Soreness at 24 and 48 Hours
Muscle soreness at rest was assessed using an 11-point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-11), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Measurements were obtained before the plyometric exercise protocol and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each of the three experimental periods. Changes from baseline were compared among sports massage, traditional Thai massage, and passive recovery conditions. Higher scores indicate greater perceived muscle soreness.
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period
Change From Baseline in Sit-and-Reach Flexibility at 24 and 48 Hours
Flexibility was assessed using the Sit-and-Reach test, with results recorded in centimeters (cm). Participants performed three trials with their knees extended, and the best result was retained for analysis. Changes from baseline were evaluated at 24 and 48 hours after exercise for each recovery condition. Higher values indicate greater reach distance.
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period
Change From Baseline in Hands-Free Vertical Jump Height at 24 and 48 Hours
Vertical jump performance was assessed using the Optojump system. Participants performed countermovement jumps with unrestricted arm movement (hands-free condition). Two valid attempts were performed, and the highest jump height was retained for analysis. Jump height was recorded in centimeters (cm). Measurements were obtained at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher values indicate greater vertical jump performance. Kopyala
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period
Change From Baseline in Hands-on-Hips Vertical Jump Height at 24 and 48 Hours
Vertical jump performance was assessed using the Optojump system. Participants performed countermovement jumps with their hands maintained on their hips throughout the movement to minimize the contribution of arm swing. Two valid attempts were performed, and the highest jump height was retained for analysis. Jump height was recorded in centimeters (cm). Measurements were obtained at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher values indicate greater vertical jump performance.
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period
Change From Baseline in Perceived Physical Performance at 24 and 48 Hours
Perceived physical performance was assessed immediately after the vertical jump tests using a participant-reported 10-point rating scale. Participants were asked to rate how they perceived their jumping performance, with scores ranging from 1 (very poor performance) to 10 (excellent performance). The assessment was repeated during the baseline, 24-hour, and 48-hour testing sessions in each experimental period. Higher scores indicate better perceived physical performance. Changes from baseline were compared among the sports massage, traditional Thai massage, and passive recovery conditions.
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period
Change From Baseline in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Right Quadriceps at 24 and 48 Hours
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the right quadriceps muscle region using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the \[anatomical region\] using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. PPT was expressed in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm²). Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity.
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period.
Change From Baseline in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Left Quadriceps at 24 and 48 Hours
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the left quadriceps muscle region using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the \[anatomical region\] using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. PPT was expressed in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm²). Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity.
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period.
Change From Baseline in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Right Hamstrings at 24 and 48 Hours
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the right hamstring muscle region using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the \[anatomical region\] using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. PPT was expressed in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm²). Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity.
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period.
Change From Baseline in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Left Hamstrings at 24 and 48 Hours
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the left hamstring muscle region using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the \[anatomical region\] using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. PPT was expressed in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm²). Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity.
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period.
Change From Baseline in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Right Calf at 24 and 48 Hours
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the right calf muscle region using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the \[anatomical region\] using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. PPT was expressed in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm²). Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity.
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period.
Change From Baseline in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Left Calf at 24 and 48 Hours
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the left calf muscle region using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the \[anatomical region\] using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. PPT was expressed in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm²). Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity.
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period.
Plan to share: Undecided — The decision regarding sharing de-identified individual participant data (IPD) has not yet been finalized. The research team will review the feasibility and conditions of data sharing, including participant consent, ethical and institutional requirements, and data confidentiality safeguards, before making a final decision.
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Ran from Dec 2023 to primary completion in Jan 2024, 1 month.
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