• Molouki A
• Hosseini SM
• Rustaee M
• Tabatabaee SM

• Forearm
• Hand Strength
• Male
• Massage
• Movement
• Open Access Document
• Physical Endurance
• Young Adult

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate effects of a single massage session on hand grip strength and endurance after isometric exercise in healthy young men under controlled conditions.

Methods: A total of 44 healthy young men from a university population participated in the study. They were randomized to receive either massage or passive movement intervention. Hand grip endurance and hand grip strength in both groups were recorded using a Jamar hand grip dynamometer and a digital chronometer before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, and paired t test as well as independent t test.

Results: Pre-and postmean hand grip endurance times for the massage group were 38.4 ± 12 and 46.5 ± 13 seconds (P < .001), and hand grip strength values were 43 ± 5.6 and 45.7 ± 5.3 kg (P = .077). Pre-and postmean hand grip endurance times for the passive movement group were 33 ± 12.3 and 31.9 ± 10.7 seconds (P = .513), and hand grip strength values were 42.8 ± 6 and 42.9 ± 5.6 kg (P = .854).

Conclusion: Immediately after 1 session of massage to the forearm and hand, the grip endurance improved in a group of healthy young men. However, passive movement of the upper limb for 1 session did not enhance grip performance.

Author keywords: Hand strength, Physical endurance, Massage, Movement

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