Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)NCT07892118
Effects of Sports Massage and Thai Massage on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness and Recovery
A study testing Sports Massage, Traditional Thai Massage and Passive Recovery in people with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), run by Akdeniz University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study investigated the effects of sports massage and modified traditional Thai massage on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and recovery following strenuous exercise in healthy, physically inactive young men. The study used a randomized, three-condition, three-period crossover design. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
- What is being tested?
- Sports Massage, Traditional Thai Massage and Passive Recovery
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 35 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 11 Dec 2023to 31 Jan 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Healthy male volunteers aged 18-30 years.
- Physically inactive or sedentary individuals who did not regularly participate in structured exercise or sports training.
- Ability and willingness to complete the exercise protocol, recovery interventions, and follow-up assessments.
- Provision of written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Lower-extremity musculoskeletal injury within the preceding six months.
- Regular participation in structured exercise or sports training.
- Medical conditions or positive responses on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) indicating that participation in the exercise protocol could be unsafe.
- Contraindications to massage or strenuous physical exercise.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Sports Massage and Traditional Thai Massage on Recovery Following Plyometric Exercise: A Randomized Three-Period Crossover Study
This study investigated the effects of sports massage and modified traditional Thai massage on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and recovery following strenuous exercise in healthy, physically inactive young men.
The study used a randomized, three-condition, three-period crossover design. Participants completed an exercise protocol designed to induce muscle soreness and subsequently received one of three recovery interventions: sports massage, modified traditional Thai massage, or passive recovery. Each participant underwent all three conditions in a randomized sequence, with a washout period between experimental sessions.
Read more
The recovery interventions were administered approximately six hours after exercise. Muscle soreness, pressure pain threshold, flexibility, vertical jump performance, and perceived physical performance were assessed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise.
The study aimed to compare the effects of the two massage approaches with passive recovery on perceived muscle soreness, mechanical pain sensitivity, and functional recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage.
- Conditions
- Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
- Being tested
- Sports Massage, Traditional Thai Massage, Passive Recovery
- Keywords
- Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, Sports Massage, Thai Massage, Plyometric Exercise, Recovery
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Sports MassageProcedure or surgery
A standardized 20-minute sports massage was administered to the lower extremities approximately six hours after the plyometric exercise protocol. The intervention included manual massage techniques applied to the major lower-extremity muscle groups, following a standardized treatment protocol.
Traditional Thai MassageProcedure or surgery
A standardized 20-minute modified traditional Thai massage protocol was administered to the lower extremities approximately six hours after the plyometric exercise protocol. The intervention incorporated Thai massage techniques adapted for the study, including manual pressure and assisted stretching techniques targeting the major lower-extremity muscle groups.
Passive RecoveryOther
Participants rested quietly in the supine position for 20 minutes without receiving massage, stretching, or any other recovery intervention. The passive recovery session was conducted approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Sequence ABC: Sports Massage → Thai Massage → Passive Recovery | Experimental | Participants assigned to Sequence ABC received sports massage in Period 1, traditional Thai massage in Period 2, and passive recovery in Period 3. Each intervention lasted 20 minutes and was administered approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. Experimental periods were separated by an approximately one-week washout interval. Receives: Procedure: Sports Massage; Procedure: Traditional Thai Massage; Other: Passive Recovery |
| Sequence ACB: Sports Massage → Passive Recovery → Thai Massage | Experimental | Participants assigned to Sequence ACB received sports massage in Period 1, passive recovery in Period 2, and traditional Thai massage in Period 3. Each intervention lasted 20 minutes and was administered approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. Experimental periods were separated by an approximately one-week washout interval. Receives: Procedure: Sports Massage; Procedure: Traditional Thai Massage; Other: Passive Recovery |
| Sequence BAC: Thai Massage → Sports Massage → Passive Recovery | Experimental | Participants assigned to Sequence BAC received traditional Thai massage in Period 1, sports massage in Period 2, and passive recovery in Period 3. Each intervention lasted 20 minutes and was administered approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. Experimental periods were separated by an approximately one-week washout interval. Receives: Procedure: Sports Massage; Procedure: Traditional Thai Massage; Other: Passive Recovery |
| Sequence BCA: Thai Massage → Passive Recovery → Sports Massage | Experimental | Participants assigned to Sequence BCA received traditional Thai massage in Period 1, passive recovery in Period 2, and sports massage in Period 3. Each intervention lasted 20 minutes and was administered approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. Experimental periods were separated by an approximately one-week washout interval. Receives: Procedure: Sports Massage; Procedure: Traditional Thai Massage; Other: Passive Recovery |
| Sequence CAB: Passive Recovery → Sports Massage → Thai Massage | Experimental | Participants assigned to Sequence CAB received passive recovery in Period 1, sports massage in Period 2, and traditional Thai massage in Period 3. Each intervention lasted 20 minutes and was administered approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. Experimental periods were separated by an approximately one-week washout interval. Receives: Procedure: Sports Massage; Procedure: Traditional Thai Massage; Other: Passive Recovery |
| Sequence CBA: Passive Recovery → Thai Massage → Sports Massage | Experimental | Participants assigned to Sequence CBA received passive recovery in Period 1, traditional Thai massage in Period 2, and sports massage in Period 3. Each intervention lasted 20 minutes and was administered approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. Experimental periods were separated by an approximately one-week washout interval. Receives: Procedure: Sports Massage; Procedure: Traditional Thai Massage; Other: Passive Recovery |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change From Baseline in Muscle Soreness at 24 and 48 Hours
Muscle soreness at rest was assessed using an 11-point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-11), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Measurements were obtained before the plyometric exercise protocol and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each of the three experimental periods. Changes from baseline were compared among sports massage, traditional Thai massage, and passive recovery conditions. Higher scores indicate greater perceived muscle soreness.
Measured: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period
Secondary outcomes (10)
Change From Baseline in Sit-and-Reach Flexibility at 24 and 48 Hours
Flexibility was assessed using the Sit-and-Reach test, with results recorded in centimeters (cm). Participants performed three trials with their knees extended, and the best result was retained for analysis. Changes from baseline were evaluated at 24 and 48 hours after exercise for each recovery condition. Higher values indicate greater reach distance.
Measured: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period
Change From Baseline in Hands-Free Vertical Jump Height at 24 and 48 Hours
Vertical jump performance was assessed using the Optojump system. Participants performed countermovement jumps with unrestricted arm movement (hands-free condition). Two valid attempts were performed, and the highest jump height was retained for analysis. Jump height was recorded in centimeters (cm). Measurements were obtained at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher values indicate greater vertical jump performance. Kopyala
Measured: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period
Change From Baseline in Hands-on-Hips Vertical Jump Height at 24 and 48 Hours
Vertical jump performance was assessed using the Optojump system. Participants performed countermovement jumps with their hands maintained on their hips throughout the movement to minimize the contribution of arm swing. Two valid attempts were performed, and the highest jump height was retained for analysis. Jump height was recorded in centimeters (cm). Measurements were obtained at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher values indicate greater vertical jump performance.
Measured: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period
Change From Baseline in Perceived Physical Performance at 24 and 48 Hours
Perceived physical performance was assessed immediately after the vertical jump tests using a participant-reported 10-point rating scale. Participants were asked to rate how they perceived their jumping performance, with scores ranging from 1 (very poor performance) to 10 (excellent performance). The assessment was repeated during the baseline, 24-hour, and 48-hour testing sessions in each experimental period. Higher scores indicate better perceived physical performance. Changes from baseline were compared among the sports massage, traditional Thai massage, and passive recovery conditions.
Measured: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period
Change From Baseline in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Right Quadriceps at 24 and 48 Hours
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the right quadriceps muscle region using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity.
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the [anatomical region] using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. PPT was expressed in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm²). Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity.
Measured: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period.
Change From Baseline in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Left Quadriceps at 24 and 48 Hours
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the left quadriceps muscle region using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity.
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the [anatomical region] using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. PPT was expressed in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm²). Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity.
Measured: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period.
Change From Baseline in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Right Hamstrings at 24 and 48 Hours
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the right hamstring muscle region using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity.
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the [anatomical region] using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. PPT was expressed in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm²). Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity.
Measured: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period.
Change From Baseline in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Left Hamstrings at 24 and 48 Hours
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the left hamstring muscle region using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity.
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the [anatomical region] using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. PPT was expressed in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm²). Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity.
Measured: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period.
Change From Baseline in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Right Calf at 24 and 48 Hours
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the right calf muscle region using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity.
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the [anatomical region] using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. PPT was expressed in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm²). Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity.
Measured: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period.
Change From Baseline in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Left Calf at 24 and 48 Hours
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the left calf muscle region using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity.
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured over the [anatomical region] using a pressure algometer. Pressure was gradually increased until the participant first reported pain. Two measurements were obtained approximately 30 seconds apart, and the lower value was retained for analysis. PPT was expressed in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm²). Assessments were performed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity.
Measured: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Oct 2026
- Study start11 Dec 2023
- Primary completion31 Jan 2024
- Study completion31 Jan 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Akdeniz UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- This study employed a randomized, three-condition, three-period crossover design. Participants were allocated to one of six balanced intervention sequences involving sports massage (SM), traditional Thai massage (TM), and passive recovery (PR). Each participant completed all three conditions in a different order, with an approximately one-week washout period between experimental periods. Standardized plyometric exercise was performed in each period, followed by the assigned recovery intervention approximately six hours later.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 35 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Akdeniz University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Nihat Ayçeman, PhD, Principal investigator, Akdeniz University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07892118
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2012-KAEK-20/16.03.2022
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 17 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 23 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided: The decision regarding sharing de-identified individual participant data (IPD) has not yet been finalized. The research team will review the feasibility and conditions of data sharing, including participant consent, ethical and institutional requirements, and data confidentiality safeguards, before making a final decision.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 23 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Sports Massage and Traditional Thai Massage on Recovery Following Plyometric Exercise: A Randomized Three-Period Crossover Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07892118
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2012-KAEK-20/16.03.2022
- Conditions
- Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
- Keywords
- Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, Sports Massage, Thai Massage, Plyometric Exercise, Recovery
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 35 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Akdeniz UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 11 Dec 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jan 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Jan 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 23 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study investigated the effects of sports massage and modified traditional Thai massage on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and recovery following strenuous exercise in healthy, physically inactive young men.
The study used a randomized, three-condition, three-period crossover design. Participants completed an exercise protocol designed to induce muscle soreness and subsequently received one of three recovery interventions: sports massage, modified traditional Thai massage, or passive recovery. Each participant underwent all three conditions in a randomized sequence, with a washout period between experimental sessions.
The recovery interventions were administered approximately six hours after exercise. Muscle soreness, pressure pain threshold, flexibility, vertical jump performance, and perceived physical performance were assessed at baseline and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise.
The study aimed to compare the effects of the two massage approaches with passive recovery on perceived muscle soreness, mechanical pain sensitivity, and functional recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 6
- Model description
- This study employed a randomized, three-condition, three-period crossover design. Participants were allocated to one of six balanced intervention sequences involving sports massage (SM), traditional Thai massage (TM), and passive recovery (PR). Each participant completed all three conditions in a different order, with an approximately one-week washout period between experimental periods. Standardized plyometric exercise was performed in each period, followed by the assigned recovery intervention approximately six hours later.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Sequence ABC: Sports Massage → Thai Massage → Passive Recovery | Experimental | Procedure: Sports Massage, Procedure: Traditional Thai Massage, Other: Passive RecoveryParticipants assigned to Sequence ABC received sports massage in Period 1, traditional Thai massage in Period 2, and passive recovery in Period 3. Each intervention lasted 20 minutes and was administered approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. Experimental periods were separated by an approximately one-week washout interval. |
| Sequence ACB: Sports Massage → Passive Recovery → Thai Massage | Experimental | Procedure: Sports Massage, Procedure: Traditional Thai Massage, Other: Passive RecoveryParticipants assigned to Sequence ACB received sports massage in Period 1, passive recovery in Period 2, and traditional Thai massage in Period 3. Each intervention lasted 20 minutes and was administered approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. Experimental periods were separated by an approximately one-week washout interval. |
| Sequence BAC: Thai Massage → Sports Massage → Passive Recovery | Experimental | Procedure: Sports Massage, Procedure: Traditional Thai Massage, Other: Passive RecoveryParticipants assigned to Sequence BAC received traditional Thai massage in Period 1, sports massage in Period 2, and passive recovery in Period 3. Each intervention lasted 20 minutes and was administered approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. Experimental periods were separated by an approximately one-week washout interval. |
| Sequence BCA: Thai Massage → Passive Recovery → Sports Massage | Experimental | Procedure: Sports Massage, Procedure: Traditional Thai Massage, Other: Passive RecoveryParticipants assigned to Sequence BCA received traditional Thai massage in Period 1, passive recovery in Period 2, and sports massage in Period 3. Each intervention lasted 20 minutes and was administered approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. Experimental periods were separated by an approximately one-week washout interval. |
| Sequence CAB: Passive Recovery → Sports Massage → Thai Massage | Experimental | Procedure: Sports Massage, Procedure: Traditional Thai Massage, Other: Passive RecoveryParticipants assigned to Sequence CAB received passive recovery in Period 1, sports massage in Period 2, and traditional Thai massage in Period 3. Each intervention lasted 20 minutes and was administered approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. Experimental periods were separated by an approximately one-week washout interval. |
| Sequence CBA: Passive Recovery → Thai Massage → Sports Massage | Experimental | Procedure: Sports Massage, Procedure: Traditional Thai Massage, Other: Passive RecoveryParticipants assigned to Sequence CBA received passive recovery in Period 1, traditional Thai massage in Period 2, and sports massage in Period 3. Each intervention lasted 20 minutes and was administered approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. Experimental periods were separated by an approximately one-week washout interval. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Healthy male volunteers aged 18-30 years.
- Physically inactive or sedentary individuals who did not regularly participate in structured exercise or sports training.
- Ability and willingness to complete the exercise protocol, recovery interventions, and follow-up assessments.
- Provision of written informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Lower-extremity musculoskeletal injury within the preceding six months.
- Regular participation in structured exercise or sports training.
- Medical conditions or positive responses on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) indicating that participation in the exercise protocol could be unsafe.
- Contraindications to massage or strenuous physical exercise.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Sports MassageA standardized 20-minute sports massage was administered to the lower extremities approximately six hours after the plyometric exercise protocol. The intervention included manual massage techniques applied to the major lower-extremity muscle groups, following a standardized treatment protocol. | Procedure or surgery | Sequence ABC: Sports Massage → Thai Massage → Passive Recovery, Sequence ACB: Sports Massage → Passive Recovery → Thai Massage, Sequence BAC: Thai Massage → Sports Massage → Passive Recovery, Sequence BCA: Thai Massage → Passive Recovery → Sports Massage, Sequence CAB: Passive Recovery → Sports Massage → Thai Massage, Sequence CBA: Passive Recovery → Thai Massage → Sports Massage |
| Traditional Thai MassageA standardized 20-minute modified traditional Thai massage protocol was administered to the lower extremities approximately six hours after the plyometric exercise protocol. The intervention incorporated Thai massage techniques adapted for the study, including manual pressure and assisted stretching techniques targeting the major lower-extremity muscle groups. | Procedure or surgery | Sequence ABC: Sports Massage → Thai Massage → Passive Recovery, Sequence ACB: Sports Massage → Passive Recovery → Thai Massage, Sequence BAC: Thai Massage → Sports Massage → Passive Recovery, Sequence BCA: Thai Massage → Passive Recovery → Sports Massage, Sequence CAB: Passive Recovery → Sports Massage → Thai Massage, Sequence CBA: Passive Recovery → Thai Massage → Sports Massage |
| Passive RecoveryParticipants rested quietly in the supine position for 20 minutes without receiving massage, stretching, or any other recovery intervention. The passive recovery session was conducted approximately six hours after the standardized plyometric exercise protocol. | Other | Sequence ABC: Sports Massage → Thai Massage → Passive Recovery, Sequence ACB: Sports Massage → Passive Recovery → Thai Massage, Sequence BAC: Thai Massage → Sports Massage → Passive Recovery, Sequence BCA: Thai Massage → Passive Recovery → Sports Massage, Sequence CAB: Passive Recovery → Sports Massage → Thai Massage, Sequence CBA: Passive Recovery → Thai Massage → Sports Massage |
Primary outcome
Change From Baseline in Muscle Soreness at 24 and 48 Hours
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period
Muscle soreness at rest was assessed using an 11-point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-11), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Measurements were obtained before the plyometric exercise protocol and at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in each of the three experimental periods. Changes from baseline were compared among sports massage, traditional Thai massage, and passive recovery conditions. Higher scores indicate greater perceived muscle soreness.
10 secondary outcomes
Change From Baseline in Sit-and-Reach Flexibility at 24 and 48 Hours
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period
Change From Baseline in Hands-Free Vertical Jump Height at 24 and 48 Hours
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period
Change From Baseline in Hands-on-Hips Vertical Jump Height at 24 and 48 Hours
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period
Change From Baseline in Perceived Physical Performance at 24 and 48 Hours
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period
Change From Baseline in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Right Quadriceps at 24 and 48 Hours
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period.
Change From Baseline in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Left Quadriceps at 24 and 48 Hours
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period.
Change From Baseline in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Right Hamstrings at 24 and 48 Hours
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period.
Change From Baseline in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Left Hamstrings at 24 and 48 Hours
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period.
Change From Baseline in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Right Calf at 24 and 48 Hours
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period.
Change From Baseline in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Left Calf at 24 and 48 Hours
Time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 23 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided. The decision regarding sharing de-identified individual participant data (IPD) has not yet been finalized. The research team will review the feasibility and conditions of data sharing, including participant consent, ethical and institutional requirements, and data confidentiality safeguards, before making a final decision.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Nihat Ayçeman, PhD principal investigator
Akdeniz University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Sports Massage, Traditional Thai Massage and Passive Recovery in people with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), run by Akdeniz University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change From Baseline in Muscle Soreness at 24 and 48 Hours (time frame: Baseline (before exercise), 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise in each experimental period). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Oct 2026.