Effects of Massage Between Sets of an Intense Isokinetic Exercise- Protocol of Knee Extensors in Tae Kwon Do Athletes
Effects of Massage Between Sets of an Intense Isokinetic Exercise- Protocol of Knee Extensors in Tae Kwon Do Athletes
26 Tae Kwon Do athletes performed a vigorous exercise program on the isokinetic dynamometer
 twice in a period of 10 days, each time on a different extremity. In this way two groups of
 26 individuals each were created, with the same individuals alternating. In the massage group
 (MG) a sport massage was applied between the sets while in the control group (NMG) the break
 was passive.
Objective: Τo investigate the effects of massage in athletic performance when applied during
 intervals of an intense isokinetic exercise protocol for knee extensor muscles.

 Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Participants: 26 Tae Kwon Do athletes performed a
 vigorous exercise program on the isokinetic dynamometer twice in a period of 10 days, each
 time on a different extremity. In this way two groups of 26 individuals each were created,
 with the same individuals alternating. In the massage group (MG) a sport massage was applied
 between the sets while in the control group (CG) the break was passive.

 Main Outcome Measures: knee flexion and extension ROM, thigh circumference, and creatine
 kinase (CK) levels in blood plasma were measured before and after each test while L-DOMS was
 measured 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after the exercise.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Professional athletes

 -  Age range between 18-25.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Conduction of any strengthening exercises on the day before the tests

 -  Musculoskeletal injury during the last six months

 -  Background of knee trauma and/or surgery