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. 2022 Apr 7;10(4):693.
doi: 10.3390/healthcare10040693.

Why Percussive Massage Therapy Does Not Improve Recovery after a Water Rescue? A Preliminary Study with Lifeguards

Alejandra Alonso-Calvete  1   2 , Miguel Lorenzo-Martínez  1 , Alexandra Pérez-Ferreirós  1 , Antonio Couso-Bruno  1 , Eloy Carracedo-Rodríguez  1 , Martín Barcala-Furelos  3 , Roberto Barcala-Furelos  1 , Alexis Padrón-Cabo  4
Affiliations

Why Percussive Massage Therapy Does Not Improve Recovery after a Water Rescue? A Preliminary Study with Lifeguards

Alejandra Alonso-Calvete et al. Healthcare (Basel). .

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of percussive massage therapy (PMT) on lifeguards’ recovery after a water rescue, in comparison with passive recovery. Methods: A quasi-experimental crossover design was conducted to compare passive recovery (PR) and a PMT protocol. A total of 14 volunteer lifeguards performed a simulated 100 m water rescue and perceived fatigue and blood lactate were measured as recovery variables after the rescue and after the 8-min recovery process. Results: There were no differences between PMT and PR in lactate clearance (p > 0.05), finding in both modalities a small but not significant decrease in blood lactate. In perceived fatigue, both methods decreased this variable significantly (p < 0.001), with no significant differences between them (p > 0.05). Conclusions: PMT does not enhance recovery after a water rescue, in comparison with staying passive. Despite PMT appearing to be adequate for recovery in other efforts, it is not recommended for lifeguards’ recovery after a water rescue.

Keywords: drowning; extra-hospital care; lifesaving; recovery modalities.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow chart outlining the design, intervention and variables.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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