Massage vs foam rolling: which boosts heart recovery after a sprint test?

NCT ID NCT07648966

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compares the immediate effects of manual massage and foam rolling on heart rate variability (HRV) after a 20-meter shuttle run test in elite male handball players. Fifteen players with at least five years of training and Super League experience took part. The goal is to see which recovery method helps the heart return to a resting state more effectively after high-intensity exercise.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Manual massage and foam rolling

What this could lead to

If one method proves better, it could guide athletes and trainers on the best recovery technique after intense exercise.

What could go wrong

This is a small study with only 15 elite male handball players, so results may not apply to other athletes or the general public.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Bursa uludag University, Faculty of Sport Sciences

    Bursa, 16059, Turkey (Türkiye)