The effectiveness of phototherapy and classic massage in reducing the symptoms of muscle fatigue after physical training

Introduction and the aim of the study: Physical training is often the cause of discomfort that occurs between 12 and 48 hours after the activity has delayed muscle soreness. The factors used to relieve muscle fatigue reduce only one of several symptoms which are pain, swelling, stiffness, functional limitation and muscle tenderness. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of phototherapy treatments and massage to alleviate muscle fatigue after physical exertion.

Material and Methods: The study involved 40 healthy volunteers who were divided into four groups. Group I had gastrocnemius exposed to a low level laser therapy (LLLT), group II had high intensity laser therapy (HILT), group III had placebo radiation therapy, group IV had classical massage of the lower leg. All procedures were performed for three consecutive days, followed by a physical training of gastrocnemius. The muscle tests included: traditional electrodiagnostic testing, assessment of sensory and pain threshold for application of diadynamic currents (MF). The level of exertion-induced pain was assessed in VAS. The tests were performed 3 times: before the treatment (test 1), after the treatment (test 2), 48 hours after training (test 3).

Results: After treatment (tests 1–2) the most significant increase in the value of rheobase and the largest increase in the level of pain assessed at MF current application were reported in the group who had massage. In the entire test period (test 1–3) in the group who had LLLT there was a statistically significant increase in the threshold value of accommodation. In the second day after the training (test 2–3) all groups had a decrease in the value of chronaxie with the exception of the placebo group and the differences between the groups were statistically significant.

Conclusions: Classic massage by increasing the value of rheobase and increasing the pain threshold can raise resistance of a healthy muscle to external factors and reduce the symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) applied before muscle workout helps to keep its resistance to external factors and may be useful in reducing the symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness.

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Weres A, Zwolińska J, Kwolek A, Szpunar P. The effectiveness of phototherapy and classic massage in reducing the symptoms of muscle fatigue after physical training. Prz Med Uniw Rzesz Inst Leków 2015; 13 (2): 104–115. doi: 10.15584/ przmed.2015.2.4

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