The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of manual massage, mechanical (mechano-percussive) massage using a Thumper, and rest (no treatment) on recovery from overall physiological fatigue and muscular fatigue. In Experiment 1, seven male and female volunteers performed a gradual exercise test on a treadmill according to the Balke principle. After a maxMET level was established, subjects walked a submaximal level for a total exercise duration of 40 min. After this phase, subjects either rested (no treatment) were massaged by hand (manual massage), or were mechanically massaged using a Thumper for 15 min. Subjects then returned to the treadmill for another gradual exercise test. Total quadriceps and hamstring muscle endurance was tested on the Lido in ft/lbs or peak torque. In Experiment 2, seven subjects were evaluated for upper leg strength and endurance on the Lido. As in Experiment 1, the same three treatments were applied for 15 min, then a second leg muscle strength and endurance test was performed. The results of both experiments indicate that both mechanical and manual massage aid recuperation from fatigue more effectively than total rest alone.

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