Massage therapy modulates energy metabolism and alleviates skeletal muscle spasms in rats

Skeletal muscle spasm is a common pathological response to trauma, exercise-induced fatigue, and neurological diseases. Massage therapy is common in relaxation and rehabilitation procedures; however, its underlying metabolic mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to explore the effects of massage therapy on muscle metabolism in a rat model of skeletal muscle spasm. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, model, and massage. A rat model of muscle spasm in the model and massage groups was established via exercise-induced fatigue. Kneading manipulation was performed in the massage group. The pain threshold was assessed using mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL). Hemorheological parameters were measured to evaluate blood viscosity. Lactic acid (LA) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were quantified using biochemical assays. The ultrastructure of the gastrocnemius muscle was observed using transmission electron microscopy. The metabolomic profiling of the gastrocnemius muscle was performed through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Compared with those in the model group, the MWT and TWL in the massage group were increased, and the oscillation frequency, blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and LA and BUN levels were decreased. Electron microscopy revealed that the myofibrils in the massage group were more orderly arranged than those in the model group, with the massage group exhibiting clear light and dark bands and increased mitochondria. The metabolomics results showed 136 differential metabolites between the massage and model groups, which primarily participate in glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, inositol metabolism, and lipid metabolism. Massage therapy effectively alleviated skeletal muscle spasms, pain, and circulatory disorders caused by muscle spasms. It improved muscle metabolism by regulating the energy-related metabolic pathways and metabolites. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Number: Not applicable.