The acute effect of two massage techniques on functional capability and balance in recreationally trained older adult women: A cross-over study

With aging comes a reduction in neuromuscular and neuromotor function. Different strategies have been used to mitigate these functional losses. Certain manual therapy techniques and interventions have been explored with regard to their ability to improve functional capability and balance in an older adult population. The purpose of this study was to analyze the acute effects of two massage techniques on functional capability and balance performance in recreationally trained older adult women. Twentyeight older adult women (66.74 +/- 4.61 years) completed three interventions: a) stick massage followed by functional capability and balance performance tests (MMS), b) manual massage followed by functional capability and balance performance tests (MM), c) no MMS or MM (control condition (CC)) only performed the functional capability and balance performance tests. Functional capability was assessed by four tests that are part of the Senior Fitness Test: the 6-min walk (W6), the chair sit-and reach (CSR), the 8-foot up-and-go (8FUG), and the 30s-chair stand (30s-CS). Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between MM and MMS compared to CC among 30s-CS, W6, CSR, and 8FUG. BBS showed a significant difference between MM and CC (p = 0.041). Both MM and MMS demonstrated significant acute improvements in the functional capability of recreationally trained elderly women and may be included in an exercise program. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

The study analyzed the acute effects of two massage techniques on functional capability and balance performance in recreationally trained older adult women. Both manual massage and stick massage demonstrated significant acute improvements in the functional capability and balance of elderly women who have undergone exercise training.