Athletic performance and recovery are closely linked to central nervous system regulation, which can be objectively assessed using electroencephalography (EEG). Although therapeutic massage is widely used as a recovery modality in combat sports, its neurophysiological effects and potential interaction with circadian timing remain poorly understood. This study investigates whether different therapeutic massage modalities applied at different times of the day modulate resting-state EEG activity in taekwondo athletes.
This randomized, within-subject crossover study examines the effects of different therapeutic massage modalities and time of day on resting-state EEG activity in elite male taekwondo athletes. Twelve athletes complete four experimental conditions: no-massage control, friction massage, vibration mechanical massage, and percussion mechanical massage. Each condition is administered during both morning and evening sessions, separated by a minimum 48-hour washout period. Resting-state EEG is recorded immediately following each intervention using a 32-channel system. Power spectral density is computed to extract global band power in delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands. The study aims to determine whether massage modality, circadian timing, or their interaction significantly influences cortical oscillatory activity associated with recovery and neural readiness.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
12
Manual therapeutic massage consisting of rhythmic, sustained friction techniques applied by a certified physiotherapist to the dominant upper extremity muscles. Moderate-to-strong pressure was applied for a total duration of 10 minutes using a standardized intermittent protocol.
Therapeutic vibration massage delivered using a handheld vibration device set at a fixed frequency of 50 Hz. The device was applied to the dominant upper extremity muscles for 10 minutes to provide localized high-frequency mechanical stimulation.
Therapeutic percussion massage administered using a handheld percussive therapy device delivering rapid mechanical impulses at approximately 40 Hz. The intervention was applied to the dominant upper extremity muscles for 10 minutes to elicit deep somatosensory stimulation.
Faculty of Sport Sciences, İnönü University
Malatya, Turkey (Türkiye)
Global EEG Band Power
Log-transformed power spectral density values for delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands obtained from resting-state EEG recordings.
Time frame: Immediately post-intervention in morning and evening sessions.
Topographical EEG Distribution
Spatial distribution of EEG band power across frontal and central scalp regions.
Time frame: Immediately post-intervention in morning and evening sessions.
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