Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Ph.D., Department of Sports Injury and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
2
Ms, Department of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
3
Professor, Department of Sports Injury and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
4
Associate Professor, Department of Sports Pathology and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
10.22084/rsr.2025.27086.1669
Abstract
Background and Aim: Proprioception is a critical component of the body’s sensorimotor system, and its impairment can predispose individuals to injuries. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of massage on shoulder joint proprioception in active swimmers at sequential time points following functional fatigue protocols.
Methods: Twenty-four active swimmers were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. After performing a functional fatigue protocol, shoulder joint proprioception was assessed using a camera and analyzed with AutoCAD software to measure the mean absolute error (MAE) in angle reproduction (40° and 80°). Immediately following this, the experimental group received a massage protocol, and proprioception was re-evaluated at regular intervals. A mixed-repeated-measures analysis of variance was employed for statistical analysis, with a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results: Results indicated that following the fatigue protocol, the mean error in reproducing the 40° shoulder joint angle increased in both the experimental and control groups (p = 0.001). Similarly, for the 80° angle, the mean error increased in both groups (p = 0.002). After the massage protocol, the mean error for the 40° angle decreased in the experimental group (p = 0.41), though this change was not significant. No significant changes in proprioception were observed across subsequent time points after the massage (p ≥ 0.05).
Conclusion: This study suggests that massage does not significantly improve shoulder joint proprioception following functional fatigue in swimmers, despite an immediate reduction in MAE. However, extending the duration or increasing the intensity and depth of the massage may enhance the significance of these findings, warranting further investigation.
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