Effects of myofascial release after high-intensity exercise: a randomized clinical trial.

Arroyo-Morales M, Olea N, Martinez M, Moreno-Lorenzo C, Díaz-Rodríguez L, Hidalgo-Lozano A.

OBJECTIVE: The usefulness of massage as a recovery method after high-intensity
exercise has yet to be established. We aimed to investigate the effects
of whole-body massage on heart rate variability (HRV) and blood
pressure (BP) after repeated high-intensity cycling exercise under
controlled and standardized pretest conditions. The study
included 62 healthy active individuals.
RESULTS: After the exercise protocol, both groups showed
a significant decrease in normal-to-normal interval, HRV index,
diastolic BP (P > .001).
CONCLUSION: Myofascial release massage favors the recovery
of HRV and diastolic BP after high-intensity exercise (3 Wingate tests)
to preexercise levels.

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics

Volume 31, Issue 3,

March 2008,

Pages 217-223

doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2008.02.009

Filed under: Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Myofascial release