Article
The aim of the study is to determine the effectiveness of restorative massage as a means of inter‑training recovery for rowers.
Methods and organization of the research. A pedagogical experiment (crossover design) involved 10 male rowers (aged 20-22 years). To assess functional readiness, pedagogical testing methods were applied: recording of resting HR and BP, back and handgrip dynamometry, and a 10-second maximal Wingate test on an ergometer. Within each session, testing was conducted twice: before the intervention and after. To simulate training fatigue, the athletes performed push-ups in 3 sets to failure. Under the experimental condition, a 40-minute stimulating massage was used as a recovery means, while the control condition involved passive rest.
Research results and discussion. From the perspective of sports theory and methodology, a multidirectional effect of the procedure was identified. On the one hand, when assessing the ability to recover after fatigue, the massage provided a pronounced ergogenic effect: peak anaerobic power increased by 10.45%, and average power by 11.96%. On the other hand, a deterioration in indicators associated with the technical execution of effort was recorded: a 3% decrease in isometric grip strength and an 8.99% delay in the time to reach peak power. Pedagogical analysis showed that the improvement of metabolic power indicators after massage may be accompanied by a decrease in neuromuscular reactivity, which increases the risk of temporary destabilization of the technical stereotype during the subsequent session on the water.
Conclusion. Coaches and physical education teachers must consider that deep stimulating massage transiently increases endurance in cyclic work but reduces the readiness to generate an explosive effort. Incorporating deep massage during breaks between training sessions is not advisable. The procedure should be postponed to the end of the microcycle or to days of complete rest.
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