THE EFFECTS OF THAI MASSAGE ON LEG MUSCLE OXYGENATION AND TIME TO FATIGUE IN HEALTHY MALE SUBJECTS

Abstract

Thai massage is a kind of alternative medicine commonly used in Thailand for relieving of muscle
fatigue and pain. Several studies reported that it can increase blood circulation. This may be due to increasing
muscle oxygenation and time to fatigue. However, there is no evidence to support. A cross-over study design was
employed to evaluate the effects of Thai massage on leg muscle oxygenation, time to fatigue and muscle force.
Twenty-six healthy males were allocated to receive isometric exercise by performing series of 10s of sustained
contraction and 5s rest until they reach peripheral fatigue point where the quadriceps torque declined to less than
60% of peak torque in the last 10 times (control period). Conversely, they received a 60-minute session of Thai
massage before isometric exercise (massage period). The results showed that after massage, the muscle
oxygenation was significantly increased (79.47±9.24%) (P< 0.05) when comparing to control period
(75.04±10.68%). In addition, the time to fatigue and quadriceps muscle force revealed no significant differences
(P>0.05) although the massage period tended to have more prolonged duration (8.74±2.68 min.) than the control
period (7.82±1.79min), and massage period showed higher quadriceps muscle force. As a result, Thai massage is
effective to increase muscle oxygenation levels. Also, it seems to be associated with increased duration of isometric
muscle fatigue and higher muscle force.