Effect of rectus femoris muscle friction massage on muscle properties and functions

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the changes in muscle properties and muscle function of the rectus femoris caused by transverse friction massage (TFM) and to analyze the relationship between them. [Participants and Methods] Muscle properties (tone, stiffness, elasticity) and muscle functions (range of motion of passive knee flexion, knee extension peak torque, electro-mechanical delay, rate of force development) of the rectus femoris muscle were measured at baseline and post-intervention in 26 healthy adult males under TFM and Control conditions. [Results] In the TFM condition, stiffness significantly decreased and the range of motion significantly increased. There was a positive and moderate correlation between stiffness and range of motion. [Conclusion] The results suggest that TFM of the rectus femoris muscle had an effect on stiffness and increased the range of motion.