Effect of sports massage and foam rolling on muscle soreness among Negeri Sembilan Junior League U19 hockey players / Adriana Balqis Che’Ad ... [et al.].

Hockey players frequently experience muscle pain as a result of the sport’s high-intensity nature, which includes explosive movements, fast direction changes, and physical contact. DOMS is an uncomfortable experience or word used to describe muscular soreness, stiffness, tightness, swelling, and weakness that occurs 24 to 72 hours after undertaking a strenuous or unaccustomed activity. There have been studies that show sports massage may be a beneficial method for athletes that helps in speedier recovery, but further research is needed. In addition, studies have shown that foam rollers can help with recovery and reduce the impact of muscle discomfort, although further study is needed. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of sports massage and foam rolling on reducing muscle soreness in Negeri Sembilan Junior League Hockey Players after a match. Ten people participated in both the sports massage and foam rolling groups. This study used a quasi-experimental design. The participants had a 20-minute sports massage on their lower bodies, while foam rolling began with pinpointing the uncomfortable or tight location of the muscle. Slowly lower your body onto the foam roller until you experience discomfort. Hold this posture for 20 to 30 seconds. Perform one repeat for each muscle group: quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and groin. The Participant’s pain scale (PS), knee range of motion (ROM), and muscle power (PWR) were measured at five -time points: pre-match, post-match, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after treatment. The differences in muscular soreness scores between the two groups were examined using repeated measures ANOVA. The study found that sports massage (SM) and foam rolling (FR) significantly improved pain scale (PS), knee range of motion (ROM), and muscular power (PWR) over five-time frames (p < 0.05). As a result, the impact of athletic massage differed significantly from that of foam rolling. Overall, the foam roller was the most effective therapy for hockey players.