Massage is frequently used as warm-up and recovery
techniques in sports competitions for athletes. It can provide
several physiological and neuromuscular benefits to the
body such as an increase in blood flow, a reduction in muscle
tension and neurological excitability, a decrease in muscle
soreness, an increase in flexibility, and an increase in a
sense of well-being1)
. Gentle mechanical pressure provided
by massage can change neural excitability as characterized
by a reduced amplitude of H-reflex2)
. It was also found to
increase parasympathetic activity3)
, reduce stress hormonal
levels4)
, increase muscle compliance and range of joint
motion5)
, decrease passive stiffness6)
and active stiffness5)
,
increase the arteriolar pressure and muscle temperature by
rubbing, which helps to increase blood flow7)
, and decrease
anxiety and improve in mood state after massage-facilitated
relaxation8)
. These benefits of the massage were suggested
to help athletes to enhance physical performance and reduce
the risk of injury during competition1)
. Thai massage is well