The Effect of Sports Massage and Pnf Stretching on Delayed-Resistance Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in Indonesian National Gymnastics Athletes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31851/hon.v8i2.20421Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of Sports Massage (SM) and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) among Indonesian national gymnastics athletes. DOMS commonly occurs after intense physical activity, leading to decreased performance, limited range of motion, and muscular discomfort that can hinder subsequent training sessions. The study employed an experimental design involving three groups: Sports Massage, PNF Stretching, and a Control group, each consisting of national-level athletes. Muscle soreness was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-exercise. Results revealed a significant reduction in VAS scores in both intervention groups compared to the control. Athletes receiving Sports Massage demonstrated the most rapid recovery, followed closely by those undergoing PNF Stretching, while the control group showed prolonged soreness and slower recovery. The findings confirm that both SM and PNF are effective non-pharmacological strategies for reducing muscle soreness and accelerating recovery after high-intensity training. These techniques improve circulation, flexibility, and muscle relaxation, supporting better athletic readiness and performance. The study recommends integrating SM and PNF Stretching into regular recovery protocols for elite gymnasts and other athletes to minimize training interruptions and enhance overall recovery efficiency.
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