A Study into the Effect of Deep Transverse Frictional Massage to the Gastrocnemius Muscles, on Pain Pressure Threshold, Range of Dorsiflexion and Force of Muscle Contraction

Summary

The effects of deep transverse frictional massage to the gastrocnemius muscle on (1) pain pressure threshold, (2) range of dorsiflexion and (3) force of voluntary isometric muscle contraction were studied on 46 normal subjects. The treatment group received 5 minutes transverse frictional massage. An increase in force of muscle contraction (p<0.005) and an increase in range of dorsiflexion (p<0.001) occurred in the treatment group compared to the control group but no significant change in pain pressure threshold. This study provides evidence to support the use of transverse frictional massage to improve muscle function.