A Quantative Investigation on the Effects of Tapotement (Sports Massage) on Physical Performance (Agility T-Test)

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to firstly, examine the effects of massage (Tapotement) on agility performance and secondly, to ascertain whether different durations of tapotement application affect the agility scores. Ten healthy male, young and active amateur football players volunteered to participate in the study. The study incorporated a randomised cross over design that consisted of passive rest for five minutes, massage for five minutes, passive rest for two minutes and massage for two minutes directly prior to the completion of the agility T-Test. There was a significant difference (p= 0.02) found within the results of all the scores taken. The Pairwise comparisons identify that there was also a significant difference (p= 0.01) between five minute massage and five minute passive rest. Similarly, a significant difference (p= 0.001) was observed between two minute massage and two minute passive rest. Furthermore, massage for five minutes showed significantly different (p= 0.002) agility scores in comparison with massage for two minutes. It was concluded that, massage (tapotement) improved the times of the agility T-Test and therefore, enhanced performance. Additionally, two minutes of massage, (tapotement) was more effective at increasing performance than five minutes of the same intervention. Future directions for research within this area may want to explore different populations and therefore specific testing specifically related to that population. Similarly, specific massage techniques and durations in order to further comprehend recent knowledge.