The Effectiveness of Sport Massage and Swedish Massage in Reducing Fatigue Levels among Mountain Climbers

Abstract

Mountain climbing represents a physically demanding sport that requires high levels of strength and endurance. Post-climbing activity commonly results in physical fatigue associated with lactic acid accumulation, making effective recovery strategies essential for restoring physiological condition. Sport massage and Swedish massage are frequently applied recovery interventions; however, comparative evidence regarding effectiveness for fatigue reduction among mountain climbers remains limited. The present study aimed to examine differences in effectiveness between sport massage and Swedish massage in reducing fatigue levels among mountain climbers. A pretest–posttest experimental design was applied. The study involved 30 participants who were randomly assigned into two groups, consisting of 15 participants receiving sport massage and 15 participants receiving Swedish massage. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and independent t-tests. The findings indicated statistically significant reductions in fatigue levels following both massage interventions. Percentage analysis demonstrated greater fatigue reduction in the sport massage group, which achieved a reduction score of 45%, compared with 35% in the Swedish massage group. The findings suggest that sport massage provides superior effectiveness for reducing fatigue levels among mountain climbers following strenuous climbing activity.