R Ogai, M Yamane, T Matsumoto, M Kosaka

The massage techniques known as Petrissage is widely used to improve circulation and drainage or waste fluids. This study examined its effects by applying petrissage inbetween consecutive bouts of supramaximal exercise performed on a cycle ergometer.

11 healthy female students who are involved in sports took part in the study. Exercise intensity was determined on an individual basis (0.075 kp x body weight (kg)) with 5 second bouts repeated eight times at intervals of 20 s. This was repeated twice with a 35 minute rest period inbetween. This protocol was repeated on two separate days, at least a week inbetween. On the first occasion there was no massage treatment (control, CO) and once with 10 min petrissage (massage, MA) of the exercising lower leg during the rest phase. Blood lactate, perceived fatigue, recovery time and muscle stiffness were recorded before and after the second bout of exercise.

For the first exercise period total power was no different between MA and CO. Blood lactate levels also did not differ between MA and CO. However, recovery from measured muscle stiffness and perceived lower limb fatigue were more pronounced and total power during the second exercise bout was enhanced in MA when compared to the CO results

Petrissage improves cycle ergometer performance independent of blood lactate but in correlation with improved recovery from perceived lower limb fatigue and muscle stiffness.

British Journal of Sports Medicine 2008;42:534-538