Effects of Gua Sha therapy on weightlifting training: a randomized trial

To evaluate the effect of Gua Sha therapy on weightlifting training.

The sample size was calculated by conducting a pilot study. A total of 44 male weightlifters were randomly assigned to either the Gua Sha group (n = 15), sham scraping group (n = 14), or control group (n = 14). The participants in the Gua Sha group and sham scraping group received 16 sessions of Gua Sha therapy during normal weightlifting training for 8 weeks. No treatment was applied to participants in the control group. The effectiveness of Gua Sha therapy was evaluated by measuring weightlifting ability, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of snatch and clean and jerk (85% of 1 repetition maximum), and creatinine kinase (CK), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and immunoglobulin A levels.

Gua Sha therapy treatment significantly increased weightlifting ability in participants in the Gua Sha group (P < 0.01). The RPE values of snatch and clean and jerk were significantly lower in the Gua Sha group and sham scraping groups compared with the control group (P < 0.05). CK levels were lower and immunoglobulin A levels were significantly higher in the Gua Sha group compared with sham scraping group and control group (both P < 0.05). BUN levels tended to be reduced only in the Gua Sha group. A close correlation between CK levels and the RPE was found in the Gua Sha group.

Gua Sha therapy can facilitate weightlifting ability, reduce the RPE, and inhibit muscle injury by promoting recovery from fatigue caused by normal weightlifting training. Gua Sha therapy could be an effective treatment to complement normal weightlifting training.