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A Standardized, Evidence-Based Massage Therapy Program for Decentralized Elite Paracyclists: Creating the Model
Ann B Kennedy1, Jennifer L Trilk2
1Arnold School of Public Health/Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork
|September 22, 2015
Summary
This study developed a massage program for elite paracyclists to improve recovery and performance. The program aims to assess massage therapy
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
- Para-athletics
Background:
- Para-athletes experience higher injury rates compared to able-bodied athletes.
- The therapeutic benefits of massage for para-athletes remain largely unexplored.
- Elite paracyclists require targeted recovery and performance enhancement strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the development of a massage therapy program for elite paracyclists.
- To establish a framework for assessing massage therapy's impact on recovery, rest, performance, and quality of life.
- To address the specific needs of diverse para-cycling disciplines.
Main Methods:
- Collaborative development involving athletes, coaches, exercise physiologists, and sports massage therapists.
- Consultation of peer-reviewed literature to address specific para-athlete health conditions.
- Creation of intake and exit questionnaires to monitor health status and recovery.
Main Results:
- Identified athlete and team needs for enhanced recovery, rest, and performance.
- Developed a conceptual model for standardized massage protocols.
- Generated assessment tools including intake/exit questionnaires and therapist notes.
Conclusions:
- The developed conceptual model and questionnaires facilitate an exploratory study.
- Investigates the feasibility of a standardized massage therapy program for a decentralized elite paracycling team.
- Provides a foundation for future research on massage therapy in para-sports.
