Effects of Three Types of Massage on Serum Levels of Malondialdehyde, Superoxide Dismutase and Glutathione Peroxidase after One Session of Exhaustive Exercise in Female Futsal Players

Objective: The production of reactive oxygen species in exercise causes oxidative stress which disturbs the balance of oxidants and antioxidants, causing destructive effects on cells. The present study aims to investigate the effect of three types of massage (Swedish, Russian, Thai) on serum levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) following one session of exhaustive exercise. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 48 female futsal players aged 17-22 years in Zahedan, Iran who were selected using a purposive sampling method, and randomly divided into four groups of Swedish massage (Long strokes with pressing and tapping using hands), Russian massage (Medium to high pressure), Thai massage (Pressure to certain parts of the body) and Control. The exercise program was based on Bruce protocol. Serum levels of MDA, GPX and SOD were measured by before and immediately after exercise and after massage. Data analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA, considering a significance level of P≤0.05. Results: In all three types of massage, there was a significant decrease in serum level of MDA (0.22±0.08), and a significant increase in GPX (1.84±0.46) and SOD (10.02±2.86) levels after exhaustive (P=0.001). No significant difference was observed in the control group. Conclusion: It seems that Russian, Thai, and Swedish types of massage can affect the serum levels of the MDA (as an oxidative stress marker) and the antioxidant enzymes of GPX and SOD during the post-exercise recovery period.