Tanya Chick –ST08003621
The Effects of Pre Event Sports Massage
on the Lower Limbs of Female Badminton
Players.
Course: SCRaM
Discipline: Physiology
Tanya Chick
ST08003621
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
TANYA CHICK
08003621
SCHOOL OF SPORT
UNIVERSITY OF WALES INSTITUTE CARDIFF
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
THE EFFECTS OF PRE EVENT MASSAGE ON THE LOWER LIMBS OF FEMALE
BADMINTON PLAYERS
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
CONTENTS
Acknowledgements
i
Abstract
ii
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1
1.1 Overview of Badminton
1
1.2 Overview of Massage
1
1.3 Research Problem
2
1.4 Null Hypothesis
2
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
3
2.1 Massage and Badminton Analysis
3
2.2 Review of Physiological and Biomechanical Aspects of Badminton
7
2.2.1
Assessment of Sample Sizes Adopted
7
2.2.2
Assessment of Study Design Adopted
7
2.2.3
Assessment of Data Collection
8
2.3 Review of Studies that Analyse the Effects of Pre Event Sports Massage on the
Lower Limbs of Athletes in Reference to Performance
12
2.3.1
Practical Implications of Massage
12
2.3.2
Assessment of Sample Sizes Adopted
13
2.3.3
Assessment of Massage Protocols and Techniques
14
2.4 Review of Studies Related to Pre & Post Event Massage in Reference to
Performance
17
2.4.1
Assessment of Massage Durations Adopted
17
2.4.2
Assessment of Massage Techniques Adopted in Relation to
Performance
18
2.4.3
Assessment of Massage Techniques Adopted
18
2.4.4
Absence of Consistent Literature
20
2.5 Overview of the Literature Analysed and the Effects it has on this Study
20
2.6 Justification of Research Question
21
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
CHAPTER 3
3.0 METHODOLOGY AND RESEARCH DESIGN
22
3.1 Participants
22
3.2 Testing Protocols
22
3.2.1 Test 1 – Speed Shuttle Run
24
3.2.2 Test 2 – Endurance Shuttle Run
26
3.2.3 Test 3 – On Court Agility Test
27
3.3 Massage Protocols
29
3.4 Data Collection and Analysis
30
3.5 Ethical Considerations
31
CHAPTER 4
4.0 RESULTS
32
4.1 Speed Testing Protocol
32
4.2 Endurance Testing Protocol
33
4.3 Agility Testing Protocol
35
CHAPTER 5
5.0 DISCUSSION
37
5.1 Introduction
37
5.2 Speed Testing Protocol
37
5.3 Endurance Testing Protocol
39
5.4 Agility Testing Protocol
40
5.5 Practical Implications
42
5.6 Limitations of this Research Project
44
5.7 Future Research
45
CHAPTER 6
6.0 CONCLUSION
47
6.1 Major Findings
47
REFERENCES
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
APPENDICIES

APPENDIX A – Informed Consent Form

APPENDIX B – Information Sheet

APPENDIX C – Client Assessment Form

APPENDIX D – Data Collection Sheets
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 – Table Summarizing Studies Related to Physiological and Biomechanical
Analysis in Badminton.

Table 2 – Table Summarizing Studies Related to Pre Event Sports Massage on the
Lower Limbs in Reference to Performance.

Table 3 – Table Summarizing Studies Related to Pre and Post Massage in
Reference to Performance.

Table 4 – Warm up Protocol

Table 5 – Time the Participant must Execute Each run

Table 6 - Pre Event Sports Massage Protocol for each section of both limbs (Upper
and Lower Posterior and Upper Anterior Muscle Groups)
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 – Speed and Endurance Shuttle Run Layout

Figure 2 – On Court Agility Test Layout

Figure 3 – Speed Test Mean Average Result for Both Controls

Figure 4 – Endurance Test Mean Average Results for Both Controls

Figure 5 – Endurance Test Overall Total Averages for Both Controls

Figure 6 – Agility Test Mean Averages for Both Controls
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Firstly, I would like to thank my dissertation tutor, Catrin Rowlands, for supporting me
throughout the whole process and by ensuring that she always provided me with
constructive feedback on all areas of my dissertation.
Finally, I would like to thank all of my participants for taking time out of their busy schedules
to perform within my two testing sessions.
i
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate if a single massage of the hamstring, quadriceps and calf muscle
groups would alter the performance of a speed and endurance shuttle run test and an on
court agility test.
Methods: Nine Female Club level badminton players volunteered to participate in a
controlled crossover, experimental design study.
The participants were involved in two
testing sessions which were exactly a week apart. One session was performed with a pre
event sports massage prior to testing and the other session was executed in the same
manner but without massage.
The treatment consisted of a fifteen minute massage to each of the lower limbs, five minutes
quadriceps, five minutes hamstrings and five minutes to calves.
The participants then completed three testing protocols which consisted of; a speed shuttle
run x 3, an endurance shuttle run x8 and an on court agility test x 3.
A SPSS paired T test was then adopted to analyse whether there was a significant affect
from the pre event sports massage with regards to the three testing protocols.
Data displayed as mean ± SD, N=9, significance accepted at p<0.05.
Results: No significant affect was found in any of the three testing protocols. Speed,
endurance and agility all demonstrated results that suggested that p>0.05 and therefore a
significant difference was not detected.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that a single pre event sports massage to the lower
limbs of female badminton players has no significant affect with regards to enhancing
performance within the fields of speed, endurance and agility.
It has been detected that the use of pre event sports massage potentially develops
psychological benefits with regards to mental readiness and stimulation even though
physiological benefits have currently been rejected.
ii
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Overview of Badminton
The main purpose of this study is to identify the effects of pre event sports massage on the
lower limbs of female badminton players. Speed, endurance and agility whilst on court, will
be the protocols that are analysed and tested throughout the study.
Badminton is identified as being a very physically and psychologically demanding game,
(Kuntze et al, 2010) .It requires a vast amount of high impact movement patterns during an
on court rally which can often cause a great amount of muscular fatigue within the lower
limbs, (Golds, 2002).
Bloss and Hales (2001) discovered that agility and speed are the two vital components that
are required to be a successful badminton player. If a player does not excel within these two
areas, other disciplines within their game will start to deteriorate, such as; shot technique
and the ability to make decisions on what shots to play during a game.
Badminton is an understated sport and is not widely recognised throughout the world as
being a top class sport, such as rugby or football; this was identified by Lin et al (2007).
Cabello et al (2004) discovered that this is partly because the sport is very rarely
broadcasted on the television and is not highly promoted during world class or even local
events.
These issues highlight why action needs to be taken towards the sport of badminton and
hopefully by carrying out this study it will enable the players and coaches to find a way to
move their game forward in a positive direction.
1.2 Overview of Massage
Many sports clubs around the world use the methods of sports massage to aid towards
maintaining and enhancing the performance of their players, which was noted by Paine
(2000).
Paine (2000) also recognised that benefits from pre event sports massage are believed to
include:

Increase of the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the muscles, which would not only
stimulate the athlete physically but mentally too.

Warming of connective tissue.

Stretching for optimal range and flexibility.
1
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
Improving the flexibility of a badminton player could enable them to have the extra edge that
they require to reach the shuttle or to take that extra little step to position themselves under
the shuttle to play the ultimate shot during that point of play. This was realised by Bloss and
Hales (2001).
The requirements of pre event sports massage are identified as being; rapid, superficial, less
relaxing and to last for a short duration of time (e.g. 15 minutes). This type of massage is
always used before an athlete is due to participate in their sporting event, to enable them to
get mentally and physically prepared for their performance, which was discovered by
Benjamin and Lamp (2005).
With everything we know about the high impact movements executed when playing
badminton on court along with the effects that pre event sports massage can have on
athletes, there is a clear justification of why this study could be extremely beneficial to all
badminton players and coaches.
1.3 Research Problem
There have been many investigations carried out on the two separate disciplines of pre
event sports massage and badminton but none that have been investigated with both
disciplines together. Therefore, this study will be the first insight into whether pre event
sports massage can affect the lower limbs of female badminton players.
Previous research can aid towards finding out what gaps in the literature there are within this
area along with looking at the advantages and disadvantages of what research has been
previously found within other sports and to gage an idea of which testing methods and actual
tests executed that have been beneficial and effective. This will aid justification for tests and
testing methods used within this research project.
The study will analyse the demands of badminton and how pre event sports massage could
potentially affect specific aspects of the game, such as speed, endurance and agility.
1.4 Null Hypothesis
The following hypothesis has been made suggested for this study:
Pre event sports massage does not have any significant affect on the lower limbs of
female badminton players, in relation to performance within the fields of speed,
endurance and agility.
2
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
CHAPTER
TWO
LITERATURE
REVIEW
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Massage and Badminton Analysis
The three main physiological demands required to excel within badminton consist of; speed,
endurance and agility.
Cabello (2004) recognised that on average a standard ladies singles game lasted for
duration of thirty two minutes and fifty two seconds with a total work time of nine minutes and
four seconds. It was also recognised that as level of competition and standard of play
increased, games were recorded to go on for as long as fifty five minutes with a total work
time of twenty five minutes.
Due to these results it can be identified that badminton players need to have a significant
level of endurance to withstand and average rally/badminton match.
This however directly leads in with speed and agility due to the fact that the higher
endurance levels that the athlete has their ability to manoeuvre themselves around the court
efficiently and at speed will begin to become effortless, which was recognised by Lin et al
(2007).
Many theories have been proposed with regards to whether sports massage has a positive
affect when being used in a performance context. There is a wide selection of literature
within the field of massage, pre event and post, which aim to prove whether it should be a
key factor with regards to sporting performance.
Sports massage and badminton are vast subjects which currently have a large amount of
literature surrounding them, however this study will focus on three main disciplines when
reviewing the literature, and these are identified as;

The effects of pre event sports massage on the lower limbs in reference to
performance

The effects of pre and post sports massage on any limb in reference to performance

The physiological and biomechanical analysis in Badminton.

This study will particularly focus on the pre event sports massage aspect on the
lower limbs when incorporated within sports performance in badminton.
3
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
Paine (2000) identified Sports massage as being a form of massage that involves
manipulating the soft tissue to benefit a person that has been injured, repetitively completing
tasks or with tension in general.
Findlay (2010) noted that there are several different techniques that are executed when
performing sports massage, these include;

Effleurage

Petrissage

Tapotement

Frictions

Compressions.
Many of these techniques are often used in the hope to benefit badminton players with their
performance.
4
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
Table 1. Table summarizing studies related to physiological and biomechanical analysis in Badminton.
Study
Study Design
Participants
Techniques Used
A Biomechanical
Analysis of
Common Lunge
Tasks in Badminton
– Kuntze et al (2010)
Controlled &
Crossover
Experimental
Video Pilot
based study
Nine male first and
second team players
from the student
badminton squad
A video based analysis
was used to watch
national and
international
competitions to assess
lunge frequency
Bilateral Ground
Reaction Forces
and Joint Moments
for Lateral Side
Stepping and
Crossover Stepping
Tasks – Kuntze et al
(2009)
Controlled and
Experimental
Nine male student
badminton players
from the 1st or 2nd
team and play at
least 6 hours of
badminton per week.
Kinematics of the lower
limbs was recorded
using force plates.
Heart Rate and
Blood Lactate
Responses during
Execution of some
Sport Specific
Strokes in
Badminton Drills –
Ghosh (2008)
Controlled
,Experimental ,
Crossover
Eight National level
players from India
with an experience
of 6-7 years at
national level.
VO2 Max testing on
bicycle ergometers and
on-court agility and
hitting techniques at
high intensity.
5
Treatment Time/Rest
Periods
Five minute w/u oncourt lunge task was
set up where athletes
had to complete three
different lunge
movements, where
upon force was then
analysed.
3 movement tasks were
executed, which
involved; a straight line
run, lateral
sidestepping and
crossover stepping. 10
repeats were
performed at a
controlled speed.
Results and Conclusions
VO2max was taken at
every 15 second
interval and weight was
increased by 0.5 w/kg
every 2 mins until
exhaustion and the oncourt tests were 3 sets,
each set consisted of
10 reps of 15 secs
activity with 30 secs
rest.
H/R and blood lactate
responses were high
during movements on
court. Repeating the
shots executed will
increase aerobic and
anaerobic capacities due
to exerted cardiovascular
and metabolic stress.
The step lunge could
reduce muscular
demands of lunge
recovery and the hop
lunge could allow for
higher positive power
output and enabling an
efficient lunging method.
With side stepping and
crossovers the ground
reaction forces we mainly
lower and lacked a
vertical peak impact
which could indicate that
overuse injuries become
less of a risk compared to
straight running.
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
Specific Inspiratory
muscle warm-up
enhances
badminton footwork
performance – Lin et
al (2007)
Controlled and
Experimental
Ten male badminton
players who play
regular badminton
were recruited.
Temporal and
Physiological
characteristics of
elite women’s and
men’s singles
badminton – Cabello
et al (2004)
Temporal
structure and a
descriptive
study
79 male and female
badminton players
who have
participated at
national,
international and
world level
competitions.
Participants had to
perform identical IM
function tests and
maximal incremental
badminton footwork
tests in 3 conditions at
random. The warm ups
were badminton
specific. Before the
experimental trials, lung
function, maximum
Inspiratory mouth
pressure and aerobic
capacity were
assessed.
Data was collected on
actions in play, which
were video recorded
and analysed
retrospectively for all
matches, heart rates
and blood lactate
concentration from
capillary samples taken
from the earlobe.
6
3 conditions were
chosen; control,
placebo and
experimental. Control
did not involve IM warm
up, whereas the
experimental and
placebo did. Consisted
of 2 sets of 30 min
breath manoeuvres
with an Inspiratory
pressure threshold load
equivalent to 15% and
40% max Inspiratory
mouth pressure.
The investigator s
attended every single
competition and
recorded all the
matches. Lactate was
tested by using BMlactate reactive strips,
at 1st, 3rd, 5th and 10th
min of the recovery.
H/R was recorded
every 5 secs
throughout the matches
via telemetry
pulsometer.
The IM specific warm up
suggested that footwork
was improved during the
testing, this was possibly
due to the reduced
breathlessness
sensation, which was a
result of the enhanced IM
function.
Significant differences
existed between men’s
and women’s sectors at
all levels of competition
except for the world
championships and in
between levels of elite
competition. This has
recommended that
training should be
tailored around short but
intense sessions to
develop the alactic
aerobic system and to
lessen the lactic
anaerobic system.
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
2.2 Review of Physiological and Biomechanical Aspects of Badminton
Badminton is recognised as being a fast paced and agile game. Vital components for
success within this sport are speed, agility, flexibility and the ability to make a rapid decision
of which shot to execute during a rally, (Golds 2002).
There has been a vast amount of previous research with regards to physiological and
biomechanical analysis within badminton, a sample of these studies have been
demonstrated within table 1.
2.2.1 Assessment of Sample Sizes Adopted
From Table 1, it can be seen that most of the previous researchers used between eight and
ten participants as a sample size when executing their testing sessions, this is in contrast to
Cabello et al (2004) who collated a group of seventy nine volunteers.
Cabello et al (2004) justified using a larger sample size such as this due to the fact that their
project was performed as a descriptive study with the aim to discover the differences of
temporal and physiological characteristics between elite men’s and women’s single
badminton.
This is opposed to all of the other research projects in table 1, as they used physical
performance testing methods to gain their results.
2.2.2 Assessment of Study Design Adopted
All tests performed were mainly carried out using controlled, crossover and experimental
designs which directly relates to the research project mentioned within this dissertation and
could therefore suggest that using the smaller sample size of between eight and ten and
using the same research designs could benefit this project by making it as valid and relative
to current research as possible.
O’Donoghue (2010) identified that experimental research consists of a designated number of
participants partaking in set activities under controlled conditions which are related to the
purpose of investigating the effect of the experimental hypothesised dependant variables.
The more substantial results were also found from the controlled and experimental research
projects. Lin et al (2007) realised from their results that Inspiratory muscular specific warm
ups could suggest that footwork was improved during testing which could be beneficial for
players or coaches in the future as they could incorporate these specific warm ups into their
training sessions to gain the best performance from the player.
As this research project consists of executing controlled tests with the participants with the
goal to find a hypothesised result, the experimental design would be the best method to
7
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
adopt and with the previous researchers having used this method successfully would be
another reason for this project to be carried out in the experimental manner.
It is hypothesised throughout this research project that the there will be a significant effect to
the lower limbs of female badminton players with regards to speed, endurance and agility.
To find whether this hypothesis is correct, a set of badminton specific on court tests will be
executed in a controlled environment.
2.2.3 Assessment of Data Collection
Kuntze et al (2010) and Cabello et al (2004) both used video analysis to determine
technique performance and physiological characteristics between male and female
badminton players, this is in contrast to Ghosh (2008), Kuntze et al (2009), and Lin et al
(2007) who all used specialist equipment such as force plates, bicycle ergometers and
Inspiratory equipment.
When executing the tests within these projects, they were all very much controlled and
structured to what the researcher had hypothesised and specific to the investigation, unlike
Kuntze et al (2010) and Cabello et al (2004) who were just analysing what the players would
naturally execute and how they would compete during play, which is far more broader than
being related to a specific question.
Kuntze et al (2009) investigated the forces within the lower limbs in badminton when
executing a straight line run, lateral sidestepping and crossover stepping at a controlled
speed. This is very similar to the research that will be carried out within this project however
Kuntze et al (2009) controlled the speed of the testing and was therefore gauging the forces
produced from the players in contrast to this research which is finding out whether the speed
is increased on court after a sports massage is executed.
Considering the research title is very specific in relation to the effects of pre event sports
massage on the lower limbs of female badminton players, the research would benefit from
using the same methods as the performance testing projects.
8
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
Table 2: Table summarizing studies related to pre events sports massage on the lower limbs in reference to performance.
Study
Study Design
Participants
Techniques Used
Effect of massage
of the hamstring
muscle group on
performance of the
sit and reach test –
barlow et al (2002)
Experimental
and
controlled
11 healthy active
males with a history
of no
musculoskeletal
disorders.
Acute effects of preevent lower limb
massage on
explosive and high
speed motor
capacities and
flexibility – Arabaci
(2008)
Counterbalan
ced
crossover
design
24 physically active
healthy Caucasian
male subjects. All
participants were
from a physical
education and sport
department in a
University in Turkey.
Effleurage and Petrissage
strokes delivered to the
hamstring muscle groups
on each leg. 2 test
sessions were taken,
exactly a week apart. One
session with massage and
one without.
Effleurage, friction,
Petrissage, vibration and
Tapotement was applied
on the posterior lower
limbs for 10mins and on
the anterior lower limbs for
5 mins. Swedish massage
was applied.
Effect of
preperformance
lower-limb massage
on thirty meter
sprint running –
Goodwin et al (2007)
Experimental
counterbalan
ced
crossover
design
37 men who
regularly participated
in multiple sprint
sports for a
minimum of 5 hours
per week, and
general strength
training of a
minimum of 2 hours
per week.
Each muscle group had
2.5 mins of massage,
which consisted of; 1
minute of effleurage, 45
seconds of Petrissage and
45 seconds of
Tapotement. Tapotement
was divided into; 15 secs
of: cupping, hacking and
knuckling.
9
Treatment Time/Rest
Periods
Three sit and reach
attempts were executed
with 30 seconds rest
between each attempt.
During the massage
session, the massage
lasted for 15 mins over
both of the hamstrings.
The experiment had 3
conditions; massage,
stretching and rest.
Which was conducted
pre and post of doing the
10metre acceleration,
flying start 20m sprint, 30
metre sprint from
standing, leg reaction
time, vertical jump and
sit and reach tests.
Three 30 meter sprint
trials were completed,
with a 5 min recovery.
Times were measured
using twin beam infrared
cells and were placed at
0, 10 and 30 metres. 3
conditions were present:
massage, placebo
ultrasound, and rest.
Results and
Conclusions
A single massage of
the hamstring muscle
group did not have
any significant
difference/increase
when performing the
sit and reach test.
The current findings
suggested that a
10min massage on the
posterior lower limbs
and a 5 min massage
on the anterior lower
limbs had an adverse
effect on vertical jump,
speed and reaction
time and also a
positive effect on the
sit and reach test
results.
Results showed that
when incorporating a
pre event massage,
there was no effect on
30 metre sprinting
performance.
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
Dynamic soft tissue Controlled
mobilisation
single blind
increases hamstring design
flexibility in healthy
male subjects –
Hopper et al (2005)
45 healthy male
volunteers between
ages of 18-35. They
must not have had a
hamstring injury
within a previous 2
years or lower back
in 2 months.
Acute effects of two
massage
techniques on ankle
joint flexibility and
power of the plantar
flexors – McKechnie
et al (2007)
Controlled,
experimental,
crossover
design
Nineteen male and
female students
from the University
of Ballarat. Who was
all injury free in the
ankles, lower legs.
Effects of
Petrissage Massage
on Fatigue and
Exercise
Performance
following intensive
cycle pedalling –
Ogai et al (2007)
Controlled
and
experimental
Eleven female
students, from
Chukyo University
School of health and
sports sciences,
actively engaged in
sports, of a minimum
of 3 days per week
in the university’s
sports programme.
Swedish traditional
massage: Effleurage,
kneading, picking up and
shaking. 5 strokes per
technique, completed in 5
mins. Specific tension
within the hamstrings was
also targeted, whilst the
hamstring was loaded
actively, passively and
eccentrically, as part of a
dynamic Swedish
massage.
Petrissage to the plantar
flexors for 3 mins on each
leg. Tapotement; Hacking
was applied to plantar
flexors also for 3 mins on
each leg.
Petrissage was applied for
10 mins from 5th to the 15th
minute of resting period.
For each muscle in the
lower limbs, 12
compressions were
executed within 1 min,
from distal to proximal.
10
There were 3 conditions
used
During this experiment
which involved;
traditional Swedish
massage, dynamic
Swedish massage and
no intervention.
The testing consisted of
completing a straight leg
raise in each of the
conditions.
Dynamic soft tissue
mobilisation
significantly increased
hamstring flexibility in
healthy male subjects.
3 conditions were used;
control (no massage),
Petrissage and
Tapotement. After each
condition the participants
performed 2 power tests
and a post ankle
flexibility test.
The experiment had 2
control groups: with and
without Petrissage. The
participants had to do the
ergometer tests twice,
roughly on the same day
a week apart. 2 sets of
trials were done on the
ergometers with 35 mins
resting periods.
Testing showed a
significant increase in
ankle joint angle on
both legs. No
significant change was
seen with the power
measures.
Petrissage improved
cycle ergometer
pedalling performance
independent of blood
lactate but in
correlation with
improved recovery
from muscle stiffness
and perceived lower
limb fatigue.
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
Effects of Massage
on physiological
restoration,
perceived recovery
and repeated sports
performance –
Hemmings et al
(2000)
Controlled
and counterBalanced.
Eight male amateur
boxers, who have all
participated in the
sport for a minimum
period of 2 years.
Massage in a 20 min
routine. Major muscle
groups in legs (8mins),
back (2 mins) and
shoulders and arms (10
mins). Effleurage and
Petrissage used.
11
2 conditions were used;
with and without
massage. A boxing
ergometer was used for
both conditions. Blood
lactate, glucose levels
and heart rates were
also monitored pre,
during and post trials.
No significant results
were found to prove
that massage can
improve boxing
performance.
However, a decrease
in punching force was
found after the
massage condition.
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
2.3 Review of Studies that Analyse the Effects of Pre Event Sports Massage on the
Lower Limbs of Athletes in Reference to Performance
Sports Massage is defined by Norris (1998) as a deep form of tissue work that is applied in a
sporting context. It consists of a variety of techniques; effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement,
vibrations, compressions, and frictions. The main focus of sports massage is to help the
athlete achieve peak performance and remain injury free as well as to support the healing of
injuries. (Findlay 2010).
There are three different methods of massage and these are recognised by Paine (2000) as
Pre, Inter and Post Event Massage, these have all been defined below:

Pre – The aim to stimulate skin, sensory receptors and circulation within the muscles
treated. It is often superficial and fast paced and due to this the athlete often
becomes psychologically prepared and more competitive with regards to
competition/participation.

Inter – The aim is to flush away waste products within the muscles being treated and
to refresh them with healthy nutrients and to promote an increase in circulation to
ensure larger supplies of oxygen are reaching the required muscles in order to
continue with optimal performance. The techniques used are often superficial and
fast tempo.

Post – The aim is aid muscular recovery in order to regain its pre event state for
future training/competition. It is also executed to restore; muscle tone, muscle length
and flexibility. This is usually performed using deep and slow techniques to also
cause a relaxation and regeneration effect.
Pre event massage has become the main analysis of this study due to the fact that the
massage is being performed prior to the participants executing the required tests.
Many researchers have found a correlation between sports massage and the effects on
physical performance.
2.3.1 Practical Implications of Massage
From table 2, it can be noted that Arabaci (2008), Hopper et al (2005), Mckechnie et al
(2007) and Ogai et al (2007) all discovered that sports massage can be related to
performance, whether it was beneficial or detrimental in regards to a sporting context.
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Results such as these, could seriously aid a team or athlete due to the fact the coaches will
be able to either enter pre event sports massage into a training regime to improve
performance or to ensure that it is definitely not in place as part of a warm up if the results
show that this will decrease the athletes physical performance.
However, in contrast to the above researchers that found a relationship with massage and
performance, Barlow et al (2002) and Goodwin et al (2007) found that their results showed
no significance with regards to massage effecting sporting performance.
This research has proven that there is no consistent correlation with regards to whether
sports massage should be incorporated to aid sporting performance and there has also not
been any specific research to date that has incorporated the effects of the lower limbs in
female badminton players prior to a pre event sports massage.
This has therefore shown a gap in the research; hence why the question in this project has
been created with the goal to find if a significant effect can be recorded with regards to pre
event sports massage and performance, results gained could potentially improve the
performance of a player by making a pre event sports massage an addition into their
training/competing regime.
The designs and sample sizes used in the projects could have also contributed significantly
towards the results of the research executed.
2.3.2 Assessment of Sample Sizes Adopted
From table 2, it can be seen that the sample sizes used are randomized and there is no set
trend as to why smaller or larger sample sizes have been used, these have ranged from
eight to forty five and all of the results were collected with a quantitative approach.
Barlow et al (2002), Mckechnie et al (2007), Ogai et al (2007) and Hemmings et al (2000) all
maintained a sample size under twenty in contrast to Arabaci (2008), Goodwin et al (2007)
and Hopper et al (2005) who all ranged from twenty four to forty five participants.
From previous research projects that have been identified in figure 1, it can be seen that the
majority of the controlled experimental projects by Kuntze et al (2010), Kuntze et al (2009),
Ghosh (2008) and Lin et al (2007) chose to adopt sample sizes under ten.
This is similar within the research projects within table 2; the controlled and experimental
designs executed by Barlow et al (2002) and Ogai et al (2007) both chose to use smaller
sample sizes of eleven. This could have been because previous literature had adopted
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similar techniques and achieved significant results or due to the fact that the study was
limited with regards to how many participants they were able to recruit.
These two projects both received different results but both were effective and valid with the
participants that they had recruited.
2.3.3 Assessment of Massage Protocols and Techniques
Barlow et al (2002) found that a single massage of the hamstring muscle group did not have
a significant effect when performing the sit and reach test, whereas Ogai et al (2007)
discovered that Petrissage improved cycle ergometer pedalling performance independent of
blood lactate but in correlation with improved recovery from muscle stiffness and perceived
lower limb fatigue.
Sports Massage is an area that has been researched for many years with the aim to justify
its execution in benefiting athletes when performed within a sporting context.
Another effecting factor on previous research projects results would consist of which
massage techniques were adopted and in which depth and tempo they were performed
when testing protocols were executed.
Findlay (2010) identified that pre and inter event massage could be beneficial with regards to
sporting performance due to the fact that there is an increase in circulation, metabolic rate,
sensory receptors and muscular readiness.
With these physiological effects in mind, Weerapong et al (2005) suggested that the athlete
would be gaining a larger supply of oxygen to the muscles and therefore enabling them to
work for longer and in an efficient manner.
Weerapong et al (2005) also noted that the athlete would feel a sense of self readiness and
competitiveness due to the effects on the sensory receptors within the body which could
enable the athlete to be more confident and focused.
Paine (2000) suggested that this could all be achieved by executing pre event sports
massage hand skills such as;

Effleurage – Rotary, V, Cam and Spindle, Forearm Glide and Flat Hand

Petrissage

Tapotement – Hacking, Cupping and Flicking
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Table 3: Table summarizing studies related to pre and post massage in reference to performance.
Study
Study Design
Participants
Techniques Used
The relationship of
Massage and
Exercise to Mood
Enhancement –
Weinberg (1988)
One way design,
controlled and
experimental.
183 male and
female students on
physical activity
courses in a
University in the
south west.
Full Swedish body
massage lasting for
30mins. They must
have had at least one
massage in the past
too.
Effects of Sports
Massage on Limb
Girth and
Discomfort
Associated with
Eccentric Exercise –
Hart et al (2005)
Repeated
measures and
controlled design,
(treatment x time)
19 healthy college
aged individuals.
With no prior
history of a recent
orthopaedic history
that would prevent
them from taking
part.
Effect of Lower
Limb Massage on
Electromyography
and Force
Production of the
Knee Extensors –
Hunter et al (2005)
Experimental,
Controlled,
Crossover Design
10 Healthy Male
Subjects who were
physically active on
a regular basis
volunteered to
participate.
Sports Massage was
performed on a
randomly designated
leg and repeated cycles
of Petrissage and
effleurage. 75 secs of
Petrissage followed by
75 secs of effleurage,
which was repeated for
5 mins.
Massage was applied
for 30mins in 7mins 30
secs segments to the
back of the leg and on
the front as well.
Effleurage was the
technique executed.
15
Treatment time/Rest
Period
2 conditions were used;
with massage and rest.
The group was then
separated into 6 groups,
where they would then do
30mins of continuous
exercise and then the next
week would just be rest for
30mins. Questionnaires
were taken before and
after.
Results and
Conclusion
The results showed
that when the
participants had
received massage
or
were in the running
groups, their
moods
and psychological
states
were consistently
positively related.
A stationary bicycle was
Sports Massage
rode for 5 mins and
did not reduce girth
immediately afterwards
or pain in the lower
massage was executed for leg after eccentric
5 mins. 20 sub maximal
exercise within 72
concentric contractions,
hours.
followed by 35 eccentric
contractions, were
executed prior to testing to
induce DOMS.
Isokinetic concentric
Massage caused a
contractions on the knee
decrease in force
extensors were performed production
at speeds of 60,120, 180
compared to the
and 240 o/s. These were
rest intervention.
performed before and after Motor unit
a 30min intervention of
recruitment and
either rest or lower limb
firing rate could
massage.
have been affected.
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Manual Massage
Effect in Knee
Extensors Peak and
Torque During
Short Term Intense
Continuous
Concentric –
Eccentric Isokinetic
Exercise in Female
Elite Athletes –
Sykaras et al (2003)
Controlled and
Experimental
Design
12 Elite female Tae
Kwon Do athletes
volunteered who all
have at least 2
years training
experience.
Manual Massage,
which consisted of;
30secs of Effleurage,
50secs of Petrissage,
superficial warming
frictions for 10secs and
Tapotement for 30secs.
16
3 maximum concentric
and eccentric efforts of
knee extensors were
performed. After a 3 min
break the programme
restarted. Each did 6 sets
of 10 reps each with 2
mins rest. During rest,
massage was given to the
knee extensors. After 6th
set, another 3 maximum
concentric and eccentric
efforts were performed.
Application of
manual massage
during the
Isokinetic exercise
intervals had an
enhancing effect on
the peak eccentric
torque of the knee
extensors.
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2.4 Review of Studies Related to Pre and Post Event Massage in Reference to
Performance
From analysing table 3, it can be seen that there is plenty of literature that have incorporated
a form of sports massage into their research, whether it is applied during pre, inter or post
event.
All projects executed by Hunter et al (2005), Sykaras et al (2003) and Hart et al (2005),
adopted an inter event sports massage, which mainly delivered effleurage and Petrissage
during their testing protocols.
However, all of the research projects analysed in table 2 have adopted the pre event sports
massage technique before performing their testing protocols in the aim to find whether this
benefits sporting performance.
From table 2, it can be seen that Barlow et al (2002) focused entirely on trying to find out
whether pre event sports massage helped to increase the distance performed during a sit
and reach test and Arabaci (2008) also incorporated a similar protocol with the aim to find an
increase during a vertical jump and sit and reach test.
However, they both adopted different techniques in which they executed their pre event
sports massage; with changes in duration, techniques executed and the limbs in which
received the massage.
2.4.1 Assessment of Massage Durations Adopted
Barlow et al (2002) decided to execute effleurage and Petrissage strokes to both hamstring
muscle groups within a fifteen minute duration, seven and half minutes on each hamstring
whereas Arabaci (2008) chose to deliver effleurage, Petrissage, frictions, vibrations and
Tapotement to both posterior lower limb muscle groups for ten minutes (five minutes each
leg) and to both anterior lower limb muscle groups for five minutes (two and half minutes
each leg).
Similarly, to Barlow et al (2002), Hemmings et al (2000) also adopted to execute the
techniques of effleurage and Petrissage within their pre event sports massage prior to
testing, however they also decided to increase the massage duration to twenty minutes in
contrast to the fifteen minutes previously identified.
The massage duration for both of the projects were set at fifteen minutes each, however the
difference is that Barlow et al (2002) only delivered massage to the hamstring muscle group
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unlike Arabaci (2008) who delivered the same duration to anterior and posterior lower limb
muscle groups.
This study could possibly be hindered with regards to the inconsistence of the massage
protocols adopted within each previous study. It has therefore made it harder to adopt a
specific protocol that has been practiced throughout previous studies but as a result of this
the most consistent durations, techniques and depths/tempos have been recruited for this
study.
2.4.2 Assessment of Massage Techniques Adopted in Relation to Performance
Arabaci (2008) incorporated sprint testing into their project which included; acceleration,
flying and from standing. This would explain why the researcher decided to massage the
whole of the lower limbs instead of just the hamstrings as the participants would be using all
muscle groups whilst performing the tests required.
The testing protocols adopted within Arabaci (2008) study are similar to the testing protocols
recruited within this study due to the fact that there are a number of acceleration and speed
tests involved, hence why this project has adopted to perform massage on the anterior and
posterior lower limb muscle groups to ensure that all muscles are treated evenly before
executing the designated tests.
The results gained from both of the sit and reach test projects were drastically different, as
Barlow et al (2002) discovered that a single massage of the hamstring group did not have
any significant difference/increase when performing the sit and reach test, this is in contrast
to Arabaci (2008) who suggested that a fifteen minute massage had an adverse effect on
vertical jump, speed and reaction time but also had a positive effect on the sit and reach test
results.
There could have been several different reasons as to why both results were significantly
different but the main cause identified is within the techniques performed during the pre
event sports massage.
2.4.3 Assessment of Massage Techniques Adopted
Effleurage is recognised as being a deep/superficial stroking technique that should always
be in the direction of venous or lymph flow. It is often used at the beginning and the end of a
massage as it is the gentlest technique, which was identified by Callaghan (1993).
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Hollis (2009) discovered that effleurage can be used throughout any phase of sports
massage, whether its pre, inter or post event. However, the depth and tempo of the strokes
change accordingly to when the massage is applied. If it was pre/inter event it would be high
tempo and superficial unlike if it was post event then it would be slow tempo and deeper
strokes.
Weerapong et al (2005) identified that slower and deeper strokes would not be used in
reference with pre/inter massage due to the fact that not only is it very relaxing and would
decrease the motivation or readiness of the player/athlete, but it could also affect certain
muscle fibres within the limbs. If techniques are too deep or for too long prior to
performance, type I muscle fibres could potentially be turned into type II muscle fibres or vice
versa. If this occurred the athlete/player could see a decrease in performance within certain
aspects of their game, dependant on which muscle types are required for the
competition/event.
Petrissage also falls under the same category as effleurage as it promotes the same
physiological effects and is often used at any stage during an event with regards to
massage. It is identified by Findlay (2010) as being a deep or superficial technique that
involves using strokes such as; kneading, skin rolling, lifting, squeezing and stripping. This
technique is use to relax, stimulate or separate muscle tissues depending on what phase of
the event it is applied during.
Tapotement is performed with the aim to stimulate local circulation, muscle tone, tendon
reflexes and nerve endings before the athlete/competitor goes onto compete, which was
recognised by Hollis (2009).
Frictions are defined as a technique that involves cross fibre rubbing over a muscle, tendon
or ligament. The strokes are usually applied in the same direction and are usually executed
using the thumb, fingers or knuckles. (Copyright SPS ltd 2003).
This technique is widely recognised during post event/recovery sports massage as it is often
used as a last resort as part of rehabilitation to remodel scar tissue and collagen. It is not
often in pre event sports massage, due to this, this project has rejected using the idea of
frictions before the participants execute the necessary tests, which was recognised by
Copyright SPS ltd (2003).
However, in contrast to this, Tapotement is often used within pre event sports massage as it
is not only identified for stimulating the body but is also associated with being a beneficial
psychological factor for the athlete, as it gets them mentally motivated and in a positive state
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of mind. Tapotement is broken up into a specific set of techniques which are recognised as;
hacking, cupping and flicking which was noted by Copyright SPS ltd (2003).
2.4.4 Absence of Consistent Literature
Goodwin et al (2007) and Mckechnie et al (2007) also benefited from using Tapotement
within their testing protocols when also being accompanied with Petrissage and effleurage.
Both of these researchers discovered completely different results as Goodwin et al (2007)
identified that there was no significant results shown when incorporating a pre event sports
massage with thirty metre sprint tests whereas Mckechnie et al (2007) found that testing
showed a significant increase in ankle joint angle on both legs but no significant change was
seen with the power measures.
This has proven that there is no set trend or pattern that relates to whether pre event sports
massage can be a beneficial modality to increase sports performance.
Due to this insignificance in the literature, this is another reason that has supported the need
for this research question to be executed and especially as, previously mentioned, that there
has been no definitive research into the sport of badminton with this concern in mind.
2.5 Overview of Literature Analysed and the Effects it has had on this Study
From all of the previous literature that has been reviewed from table 2, it can be identified
that the most beneficial and reliable results that were achieved, often came from projects
that had adopted a fifteen minute duration for their pre event sports massage and they also
applied massage to the anterior and posterior lower limb muscles groups to ensure both legs
were completely stimulated and that the blood was circulating around the muscle tissue and
that the muscle fibres and tissue were warm and ready to compete/perform directly after the
massage had been administered.
None of the previous projects that were analysed actually mentioned about the tempo or the
depth in which they were executing the massage which makes it difficult to standardise and
compare with regards to previous literature, but as previously mentioned, pre event sports
massage is recognised as being very fast paced and superficial.
Therefore the masseuse that will be delivering the massage throughout this project would
also follow along with these guidelines and aim to execute a designated amount of fast
paced strokes for each technique within the designated time and in reference to the time
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given to deliver massage to each limb. The masseuse would also remain the same person
without the whole project to ensure that they would be using the same pressure and speed
throughout each massage that is delivered prior to testing. This would remove the cause of
inter-practitioner variability, which was identified by Weerapong et al (2005).
This has given this research project enough support and validity to enable this to also adopt
the same procedures with the aim to find significant results within this designated field.
2.6 Justification of Research Question
From all of the literature that has been reviewed throughout the field of sports massage and
badminton, it has become apparent that there is a vast gap in the literature with regards to
the investigating of whether pre event sports massage would benefit the lower limbs in
badminton players. There is plenty of literature on both of the separate subjects but none
that have been developed as one research project.
This is even more apparent within the field of women’s sport and badminton in particular,
most of the projects that have been undertaken within these fields have been associated
with men only or as part of a mixed sex group and therefore the researcher has not been
able to gain a definitive answer of whether the testing has significantly affected females in a
positive/negative way or in no way at all.
Therefore, the research question in mention during this project is definitely justified as results
are required to find a definitive answer to enable coaches or players to enhance or adjust
their training programmes to improve on court sporting performance according to the
findings from this research.
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CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
AND RESEARCH
DESIGN
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
3.0 Methodology and Research Design
3.1 Participants
The female participants recruited all had had at least a year of previous badminton
experience and were currently playing/training within a badminton team for a minimum of
two sessions per week.
All female participants were also competing at a minimum level of either University or Local
Club standard and ranged between the ages of 18 – 21 years old.
Nine female participants were recruited by the researcher by actively going out into the
University of Wales Institute, Cardiff’s Female Team or Local Clubs and approaching the
coaches or chairmen to gain permission to consult the players.
All participants also had been injury free within the lower limbs for a minimum of a year prior
to accepting the terms of this research project.
All participants were also requested to read an information sheet (Appendix A) stating all
aspects and expectations during testing; this was also followed by a completion of an
informed consent form (Appendix B) and a client assessment form (Appendix C).
They were all informed that their details would remain anonymous and safe during and after
the study and were given the option to withdraw from the study at any stage without having
to justify their reasoning.
3.2 Testing Protocols
There were three different testing procedures that were executed during this research
project. They were analysing speed, endurance and agility within the sport specific
movements of badminton.
All testing protocols were executed in the same order each time, with a five minute active
rest period in between each protocol; they participants were permitted to walk around and
have a drink but were not permitted to sit.
All testing was performed within the Sports Hall at the University of Wales, Institute Cardiff
and each participant executed the three tests twice. They were executed with and without
pre event sports massage and were performed exactly a week apart.
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Before each testing session commenced the participant was taken through a fifteen minute
badminton and drill specific warm up, which was always led by the project researcher to
ensure that all participants always endured the same warm up throughout the project.
The warm up has been explained below and the same procedures were always followed:
Table 4 - Warm up Protocol
Duration
Exercise
4 minutes
Running forwards, sidestepping and running
backwards along the lines of the court.
2 minutes
Dynamic lunges along the length of the
court.
2 minutes
Heel flicks and High Knees along the length
of the court.
2 minutes
Leg Gates, opening and closing of the legs
along the length of the court.
2 minutes
Jump squats and stationary squats
3 minutes
Half speed shuttle runs along the length of
the court.
The warm up was always led immediately before the testing commenced, therefore when
the participants were due to execute their tests with the delivery of pre event sports
massage, the massage was performed prior to the warm up, during the non massage
protocols the fifteen minutes prior to testing consisted of active rest, which was suggested
Lin et al (2007).
Participants underwent a fifteen minute pre event lower limb sports massage or fifteen
minutes of active rest before completing a structured fifteen minute warm up, participants
were then required to execute all three testing protocols in the order of; Speed, Endurance
and Agility.
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3.2.1 Test 1 - Speed Shuttle Run – Refer to Figure 1

A smart speed timing gate (smart speed, Fusion Sport, Brisbane, Australia) was
placed fifty centimetres away from the ‘T’ Line on the court (which was located
directly in the middle of the two service boxes and lines).

A marker was then placed a hundred centimetres away from the ‘T’ line, with white
insulation tape, to ensure the participant had a clear starting/finishing point when
performing the test.

Markers were also then placed along the inside tramlines of the services boxes on
one side of the court to enable the shuttles (Yonex AS30) to be placed in the same
position every time during testing.
The length of the middle service line was
measured and divided into four to enable the shuttles to be spread out equally. The
first shuttle was always placed from the back singles service line and the other
shuttles were then measured out equally from this point forwards. This again was
marked out with white insulation tape.

Four feather Shuttles were then be spread out evenly along the markers that have
been highlighted above.

A white insulation tape marker was also placed half way along the centre service line,
which was the point in which the participants had to return to after tapping each
shuttle.

After all the equipment was in place, the participant started on the first white marker
which was placed a hundred centimetres away from the ‘T’ line, they then ran at
maximal speed through the smart speed timing gate to the centre on court marker.

They then began to move to the shuttlecock that was located nearest to them on their
racket side. (e.g right handed, moved to the first shuttle on the right hand side or vice
versa).

They tapped this shuttle with their badminton racket head and after performing this
they moved rapidly to return back to the middle marker and proceed to the next
shuttlecock closest to them on their backhand side. This was then repeated until all
of the shuttlecocks had been knocked away from their markers in sequence.

Once all the shuttlecocks had been manoeuvred from their markers, the participants
then chasseed backwards through the smart speed timing gate to complete that one
attempt; this is to ensure badminton specific movements are being executed
throughout testing.

After the participant had completed the first run, one minute recovery was then timed
on a stopwatch (fast time 5 dual display,stopwatch, Leicestershire, England) in which
time the participant was permitted to have a drink and walk around but was not
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permitted to sit down at any point. The participant then repeated the speed shuttle
run twice more, to make their attempts a total of three, with a minute rest in between
each run.
Figure 1 – Speed and Endurance Shuttle Run Layout
1
2
3
4
1
5
6
7
8
Key
= starting/finishing position
= Smart Speed timing gate
= middle marker (return point)
(smart speed, Fusion Sport,
Brisbane, Australia)
= Shuttlecock (Yonex AS30)
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The second test was recognised as being the endurance shuttle run, this was similar in set
up to the speed shuttle run, however the end result that was being researched was different,
and this procedure has been stated below:
3.2.2 Test 2 - Endurance Shuttle Run – Refer to Figure 1

The endurance shuttle run was marked up in exactly the same manner as the speed
shuttle run, refer to figure 1.

The smart speed timing gates were used during this test to gauge the timings of each
run performed.

However, the researcher used a stopwatch (fast time 5 dual display,stopwatch,
Leicestershire, England) to determine a forty five second rolling clock for each run
that was performed by the participant, as this test was designed to find the overall
endurance of the participant and not their speed.

The participant attempted a shuttle run, just as previously executed in the speed
shuttle run, but this time they had forty five seconds to complete the run and the time
remaining after their attempt was their recovery time. (e.g. the attempt took fifteen
seconds, recovery time was therefore thirty seconds before they executed their next
run)

This test was executed eight times to determine endurance and the researcher also
informed the participant of how long they had left before their next attempt was
required and they were given a three, two, one, go, countdown to let them know
when to start again.
Table 5- Time the participant must execute each run
Shuttle Attempt
Time
to
begin
(seconds)
1
45
2
90
3
135
4
180
5
225
6
270
7
315
8
360
26
next
attempt
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The final test that was executed by the participants during this research project was
identified as the on court agility test. The procedure for this has been explained below:
3.2.3 Test 3 - On Court Agility Test – Refer to Figure 2

This test involved the participant manoeuvring themselves around the court to all four
corners in a sequential manner.

Markers were placed on the cross sections of the inside lines on the court, with white
insulation tape to enable the participant to see exactly where they had to run too.

Again a white marker will also be placed half way along the centre service line, as
this will be the middle marker that the participant must return to after manoeuvring to
each corner.

Another starting marker was positioned at the rear of the court this time, which was a
hundred centimetres away from the back tramline and the smart speed timing gate
was positioned fifty centimetres away from the back tramline. These were positioned
from the rear of the court this time as the participant was running through the speed
gate towards the net as they were simulating forehand and backhand shots at the
front and rear of the court. This made the test much more game specific.

To begin one attempt, the participant ran at maximal speed from the starting marker
through the smart speed timing gates and firstly ran to the middle marker. They then
moved towards their forehand front court corner with a racket in their dominant hand,
in the same way in which they would move during a game situation
(sidestepping/chassee) and place their foot on this marker; once this was executed
they then moved back to the middle marker and then did the same with the backhand
front court corner.

This then occurred again with the forehand and backhand rear court corners. Once
the backhand rear court corner had been hit, they moved back to the middle marker
for a final time and chasseed backwards through the speed gate to finish that
attempt.

This was executed three times in total with the researcher timing a minutes rest on a
stopwatch in between each attempt. The participants were again requested to not sit
down during their rest periods but were permitted to walk around and have a drink.
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Figure 2 – On Court Agility Test Layout
Key
= Corner 1 (Forehand Front)
= Corner 3 (Forehand Rear)
= Corner 2 (Backhand Front)
= Corner 4 (Backhand Rear)
= Middle Marker (return point)
= Starting/Finishing Position
= Smart Speed Timing Gates (smart speed, Fusion Sport, Brisbane, Australia)
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3.3 Massage Protocols
During the testing the participants were doing two sets of testing days, one with pre event
sports massage and one without.
A crossover design was adopted with regards to the testing protocols with the aim to reduce
the effects of behavioural patterns in reference to learning effects with and without massage,
which was stated by Gratton and Jones (2010).
During the massage protocols, the researcher had to make the testing and massage
delivered as standardised and reliable as possible to ensure that all participants received the
same treatment before entering into testing. This also ensured that the results were reliable
and valid due to everyone being treated with the same massage prescription.
Massage was executed by the same qualified sports therapist throughout the project with the
aim to eliminate inter practitioner variability and it was executed on a massage plinth by
using hypoallergenic oil as a medium.
A stopwatch was also used to enable the practitioner to see exactly how long they had to
deliver each technique on each muscle group.
Massage was delivered for duration of fifteen minutes on the anterior and posterior lower
limb muscle groups. Two and half minutes were delivered to each section of the limbs;
upper and lower posterior and upper anterior muscle groups of each limb. As previously
analysed in the literature review in this project, a specific set of hand techniques have been
adopted for a specific duration on each muscle group; this procedure has been noted in
figure 6.
The massage was executed in a particular order on each participant, which consisted of
treating; the right hamstring muscle group, followed by the right calf and the finally the right
quadriceps muscle group and then the same procedure was adopted for the left leg to
complete the massage. The techniques listed in table 6 were also executed in this order on
every participant.
One week before the testing occurred the participants were required to attend an information
and familiarisation session with regards to the massage. This was achieved to ensure that
participants were aware of what techniques and tempos were to be delivered during testing.
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Table 6 – Pre Event Sports Massage Protocol for each section of both limbs (Upper and
Lower Posterior and Upper Anterior Muscle Groups)
Duration (seconds)
Massage Delivered
Speed and Depth
90
Effleurage:
Superficial and Fast Tempo

Flat hand (15 secs)

Rotary (15 secs)

V (15secs)

Cam and Spindle (15
(12 strokes per 15 seconds)
secs)

Forearm glide (15 secs)

Opposing
Glide
(15
secs)
30
Petrissage
Superficial and Fast Tempo
(24 strokes per 30 seconds)
30
Tapotement:
Superficial and Fast Tempo

Hacking (10 secs)

Cupping (10 secs)

Flicking (10 secs)
(20 strokes per 10 seconds)
3.4 Data Collection and Analysis
All data was collected via the smart speed timing gates as they gave the researcher an
accurate and reliable reading of the exact times that the participants executed during each
testing protocol.
As this is a quantitative study, analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the
Social Sciences (SPSS for Windows 19, SPSS, Inc.,Chicago, IL).
Graphs and Charts were produced using the computer programme Microsoft Word and
Microsoft Excel (Microsoft, USA).
A Paired T Test was adopted to analyse the results recorded from all of the testing protocols
due to that fact that a paired T test is designed to analyse differences between two groups,
the paired T test measures whether the mean of a single group is different when it is
measured during different durations. (Gratton and Jones 2010).
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Tanya Chick –ST08003621
This was used due to the fact that aim of the study was to find whether there was an effect
on performance when executing pre event sports massage.
3.5 Ethical Considerations
The participants were always made aware throughout the study that their best interests were
kept in mind and that the researcher was aware of how the testing days and the possible
uncomfortable physical feelings that were demonstrated during testing were aimed to be
kept at a minimal level.
This was achieved by organising the testing sessions each week, around the schedule of
each participant instead of the researcher’s schedule.
All participants were always completely motivated and reassured by the researcher
throughout testing to ensure that the participants felt at as much ease as possible throughout
testing.
This ensured that all participants remained willing and available to partake within all testing
protocols over the two week duration and to ensure that the study remained valid and
reliable by ensuring the same participants were being recorded throughout.
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CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
4.0 Results
Data displayed as mean ± SD, N=9, significance accepted at p<0.05. M - Massage and WM
- without massage.
The results shown are in relation to n=9 aged 20.4 years (mean SD) executing three testing
protocols which have been identified as speed, endurance and agility. Each test was
executed once with massage and once with active rest a week later.
To compare the measures of performing the testing protocols, with and without massage, a
paired T test was employed.
Thomas et al (2011) recognised that if there are two independent groups to be assessed,
such as with or without massage, a Paired T Test would be adopted as it would then be
possible to judge whether the two groups were significantly different based on the average
scores collated.
4.1 Speed Testing Protocol
From the SPSS Outputs of the Paired T test results for the speed test analysis, it can be
stated that (WM) (17.56 ±2.09 vs. 17.35 ±1.42) (M) = p>0.05. Therefore the Paired T test
reported that there was no significant difference between the two controls, of executing
massage and performing the same speed tests without massage. Therefore it can be
suggested that Speed was not affected throughout performance, either with or without a pre
event sports massage.
The mean averages of the speed tests for both independent controls have been
demonstrated in Figure 3 on the following page;
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18
16
14
Time in Seconds
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Without Massage
Massage
Figure 3 – Speed Test Mean Average Results for Both Controls
4.2 Endurance Testing Protocol
The endurance test was recorded via the participants, n=9, completing eight shuttle runs at
maximal speed. Due to the fact that this test was analysing whether pre event sports
massage affected the long term effects of the lower limbs of female badminton players
during performance, the results have been outputted into the SPSS Paired T Test in two
different formats. Figure 4, has demonstrated the mean average results across all eight
attempts, whereas Figure 5, has reflected the overall totals of all eight shuttle runs to
determine the participants over all duration to complete all eight shuttle runs.
This has been established to enable the fastest shuttle run during the endurance test to be
identified and to also see the overall duration of all runs, when completed with and without
the massage to see if the participants decreased or increased pace during each independent
control.
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Tanya Chick –ST08003621
18
16
14
Time in Seconds
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Without Massage
Massage
Figure 4 – Endurance Test Mean Average Results for Both Controls
The endurance test when applying the mean average results demonstrated that WM (17.66
± 1.9 vs. 17.41 ± 1.64) M = P> 0.05. Therefore considering P>0.05, no significant difference
has been accepted and performing massage has not affected the endurance ability of the
participants.
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140
120
Time in Seconds
100
80
60
40
20
0
Without Massage
Massage
Figure 5 – Endurance Test Overall Total Averages for Both Controls
From the Paired T test output results for the overall total averages of the endurance test, it
was recorded that WM (139.25 ± 13.08 vs. 141.21 ± 15.43) M = P>0.05. Even though it can
be seen from figure 8, that the timing during the without massage protocol was slightly
increased, due to the fact that P>0.05, no significant difference can be accepted therefore
meaning that massage has no significant effect on endurance within the lower limbs of the
female badminton players, N=9.
4.3 Agility Testing Protocol
The agility testing protocols looked at the mean average scores of all n=9 participants over
both independent controls of performing with and without massage. The results stated that
WM (8.70 ± 0.53 vs. 8.73 ± 0.44) M = P>0.05. From this it can be seen that as P>0.05, the
significance of the results are again not accepted and therefore it is suggested that massage
has no affect on the lower limbs of female badminton players, n=9, in reference to agility.
The results from the Paired T test outputs have been demonstrated in Figure 6 below:
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10
9
8
Time in Seconds
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Without Massage
Massage
Figure 6 - Agility Test Mean Averages for both Controls
From analysing all three testing protocols, it can now be seen that the original null
hypothesis has been accepted as the results clearly identify that pre event sports massage
has no significance with regards to affecting the lower limbs in female badminton players
within the speed, endurance and agility fields.
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CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
5.0 Discussion
5.1 Introduction
The major findings from this study have suggested that pre event sports massage does not
benefit the lower limbs of female badminton players with regards to speed, endurance and
agility. All of the testing protocols during this project delivered results that were unable to be
accepted and this therefore stated that there was no significant difference between the two
independent controls of with and without massage.
The following text initially discusses the major findings from each testing protocol and an
insight into why these tests may have been inhibited and how they could be improved to
enhance future research within a similar field.
Practical limitations are then discussed, followed by strengths and weaknesses of this study
and why future research within this similar field should be investigated.
5.2 Speed Testing Protocol
Speed is a key component within badminton, Bloss and Hales (2001) identified that speed is
required to enable any badminton player to manoeuvre themselves around the court to get
them into an optimal position to execute a quality shot during a rally. Without on court speed,
a player will struggle to maintain quality of shot and have a reduced chance of performing
the shots they desire to gain an attacking advantage. They will more than likely end up lifting
the shuttle to get out of trouble and therefore immediately giving the opponent the attack and
placing themselves into a defensive position which could lead to the point being forfeited.
The major findings from the speed testing protocol indicated that there was no significant
difference to the results that were collected from when massage was delivered compared to
when the participants only had a fifteen minute warm up and no massage as p>0.05.
There are many underlying factors that could have been overseen within the speed testing
protocol, which could have potentially affected the direct results that were retrieved from the
participants, N=9.
Goodwin et al (2007) executed a similar research project in relation to the speed aspect but
instead of applying it to badminton, the research was formed analysing athletic sprinters,
over a thirty metre distance. This is also in comparison to Hemmings et al (2000) who
researched into the repeated performance speed of boxers with the aid of pre event sports
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massage; they also found that massage had no effect on speed when performing in a boxing
match situation.
Goodwin et al (2007) recognised that pre event sports massage had no benefit to the lower
limbs in reference to thirty metre sprinting and suggested that the affects of the massage
may have dissipated over a course of approximately ten minutes, whether it was due to the
time from when the massage was executed up until the first result recorded or whether the
fifteen minute active warm up would have received all of the initial benefits that were aimed
to be achieved when performing the tests.
The massage testing within this project was also executed in this manner, with the
participant firstly receiving massage and then negotiating an active fifteen minute warm up
directly after the treatment occurred, therefore according to Goodwin et al (2007) study it
could be suggested that the pre event sports massage had already dissipated by the time
the participant had reached the first speed shuttle run and the effects had therefore worn off
and caused no effect to the speed performance.
Not only could the massage and testing protocol possibly affect the results that were
retrieved, but the participant’s lifestyles and mind states should also be taken into
consideration as they could have had major psychological/physiological factors that could
have affected their performance during each week.
These could have ranged from anything as general as university work load, to stress from
family issues or even to lack of sleep. Any of these issues could have mentally or physically
drained the participant and this could have had an adverse affect on the results that were
retrieved.
For future testing it could be suggested that a pre event sports massage is executed to the
participant after the fifteen minute warm up has been performed, this could then resolve the
issue of the effects of the massage dissipating within ten minutes of the treatment being
delivered, as previously mentioned by Goodwin et al (2007).
The independent controls could then be changed to with massage before a fifteen minute
warm up and with massage after the fifteen minute warm up, which could potentially educate
coaches/players about the benefits of including a pre event sports massage into a
performance regime, immediately before game play.
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5.3 Endurance Testing Protocol
All testing within this project directly relates to on court situations and movements/patterns
that are repeated several times during a game/rally.
Lees et al (2004) discovered that the average rally duration within badminton is often around
four to five seconds, with rest periods of approximately ten seconds and therefore the
players will be actually playing for approximately a total of 35% during a standard rally.
These statistics demonstrate that the endurance testing protocol within this research project
is transferable in comparison to a game/rally situation as the test also involves the
participants performing short, intense bouts of speed and power and then recovering for
approximately fifteen seconds, dependant on the speed of each participant.
The major findings within the endurance test consisted of the results being rejected as
p>0.05 and therefore the effects of pre event sports massage had no significance with
regards to improving on court endurance.
Even though the results were rejected within this protocol, it was recognised that the majority
of the participants produced their fastest times during the first and last shuttle run.
This occurrence should not normally be present within an endurance test, as Cabello et al
(2004) stated that endurance is recognised as being a part of the aerobic glycolytic energy
system and is designed to last over a longer duration of time but at a decreased pace
compared to an athlete that may be competing anaerobically. However with regards to
badminton and the intensity of the demands sustained throughout a whole match, the
phosphocreatine system is required. Therefore results times should be faster at the start of
testing and should slowly start to decrease in duration as the testing progresses.
Ogai et al (2008) suggested that psychological and physiological factors affect how a
participant would approach their final attempt/run of an endurance test. Psychologically, the
participant has been made aware that they are finishing their final attempt and would
therefore produce as much energy as possible to ensure the test is over faster.
In a study produced by Cabello et al (2004), it was recorded that female badminton players
work less and rest for longer periods of time throughout a game/competition in comparison
to male players, this could directly affect the physiological aspects of the endurance testing
as the woman participants, N=9, may not have been performing above their optimal level the
whole way through the eight shuttle runs due to the fact that they are constant and
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consistent and as Cabello et al (2004) stated the work periods are often shorter and rest is
longer, which is in contrast to this testing protocol.
It could therefore be advised, for future testing to avoid informing the participants of how
many shuttle runs they have executed to ensure that they remain consistent with their
performance and to reinforce that they must work optimally from the very first shuttle run
until the final run is complete. This would better represent a game situation and would make
the endurance indicator more reliable for future research.
A final physiological aspect that could be considered as a hindrance during this testing
protocol, was the fact that the participants sometimes forfeited the correct footwork patterns
to enable themselves to complete the shuttle run in the fastest time possible, Kutze et al
(2009) also experienced this dissipation of technique performance as they were recording
results for lateral side stepping and crossover stepping tasks in badminton.
It is therefore suggested that when executing the endurance test protocol in the future, that
the participants should be made aware that they have to uphold correct footwork at all times
and that their leading foot must be placed directly over a fixed marker on the court, which will
ensure that all participants are covering the same area of the court every time they complete
a run.
This will therefore make the test more reliable and transferable into a game situation with
regards to efficient and correct footwork.
The massage executed prior to the testing could have been another limitation factor with
regards to endurance due to the fact that it is recognised that the physiological effects of
sports massage dissipate after ten minute duration and as the endurance protocol would
have been performed after the speed protocol, it could be suggested that the effects had
diminished by this point. (Goodwin et al 2007).
There are also minimal amounts of literature that actually prove that the physiological effects
of massage exist, such as; increased circulation, metabolism and waste removal. (Paine
2000). Due to this, if the physiological effects do not actually exist then there would naturally
be no effect on performance with regards to endurance.
5.4 Agility Testing Protocol
Baechle and Earle (2008) recognised that agility is the skills and abilities to explosively
change movement velocities or modes. Kuntze et al (2004) directly related this to badminton
as the main footwork techniques involves the participant/player to manoeuvre themselves
40
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around the court at explosive speed with repeated rapid changes in direction with the aim to
get underneath the shuttle to play the optimal shot required.
The major findings recorded within the agility testing protocol discovered that pre event
sports massage had no significant affect on the lower limbs of the female badminton players,
N=9, with regards to improving on court agility as P>0.05.
Several implications with this test have been raised with suggestions that may explain why
the results had to be rejected and why no significance was identified with reference to using
pre event sports massage.
The main considerations have been identified as being physiological aspects but
psychological implications have also been suggested.
The agility test was the last performance that the participants had to execute and therefore
as previously mentioned by Goodwin et al (2007), if the massage affects do dissipate ten
minutes post treatment, then the pre event sports massage would not have had any
contribution towards this agility testing as this was normally performed approximately twenty
to thirty minutes after the massage was delivered.
Future research considerations for this testing protocol could incorporate inter event
massage along with the pre event massage. Findlay (2010) identified that inter event sports
massage is designed to prepare the athlete/player for the next event within their competition
and could aid to flush out and prepare the tissue within the muscles for further work.
This research would then enable coaches/players to identify whether incorporating a quick
and superficial massage before each game/end within a badminton competition, benefits the
lower limbs within the aspects of speed, endurance and agility.
Not only could the massage protocol effect the way in which the agility test was executed by
the participants but muscle memory for the desired on court pattern could also have
contributed towards the results.
Lin et al (2007) discovered that when participants had to perform a designated set of specific
movements over two sessions spread over two weeks, the majority of the time the
participants’ durations were higher during their first attempt at the exercises but as the
participants had then already performed the movements once before they were then aware
of exactly how they had to perform the exercises and were more confident and efficient
whilst executing them during the second attempt.
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Baechle and Earle (2008) stated that muscles can adapt to everyday situations and will
remember certain pattern that have been executed before, this is done subconsciously but
when the athlete attempts the same movements again, the muscles are aware that this has
been replicated before and the action becomes easier to execute, this is particularly present
when performing Olympic lifts such as the snatch or the clean and jerk.
Future testing could include a test for learning effects between the first and second week of
testing, to enable the researcher to identify if this has a significant difference as this could
benefit coaches and players by making them aware that if they continue to practice
techniques
within
their
training,
they
could
potentially
adapt
and
execute
the
techniques/footwork required faster and more efficiently.
5.5 Practical Implications
The results of this study demonstrated that pre events sports massage had no significant
effect with regards to the lower limbs in female badminton players in reference to speed,
endurance and agility.
Regardless of the insignificance of the results gained, it could still be beneficial to inform
badminton coaches or players about these current findings as they will then be able to
decide for themselves whether they believe that pre event sports massage is beneficial to
their athlete or whether they would prefer to adopt a different modality pre competition with
the aim to improve/effect the player in a positive manner.
Lin et al (2007) suggested that the incorporation of an Inspiratory muscle warm up prior to
performance enhanced the player’s footwork when executing a set of incremental badminton
footwork tests.
An inclusion such as this style of warm up could be focused on instead of applying pre event
sports massage if the coach/player believes that a technique such as this could aid
improvement of performance.
Pre event sports massage did not show any significant effect within this study, this was also
apparent within the studies of Barlow et al (2002), Goodwin et al (2007) and Hemmings et al
(2000).
These results could have been affected due to many aspects of the study whether it could
have been due to an insufficient sample size; the methodological processes adopted or even
the massage protocol adopted.
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However, even though a significant physiological effect is not recorded, massage is currently
still executed as a pre event modality within many sports.
Weinberg et al (1988) discovered that pre event sports massage produced a positive mood
enhancement when completing vigorous exercise. A decrease in fatigue, anxiety and tension
were also recorded and therefore causing positive mental health.
Techniques such as Tapotement are also seen as a modality to get the athlete into a mental
state of preparation along with stimulating the muscles treated, which will ensure that the
player feels physically and mentally ready for the competition, which was recognised by
Weinberg et al (1988).
Tapotement is a form of pre event sports massage that aims to stimulate skin, muscle
contractions and sensory receptors and it is a fast paced and superficial technique. (Findlay
2010)
This could therefore justify the continuation of executing pre event sports massage before an
event/competition. If the player believes in the modality that is being used and that it will
enhance their performance/wellbeing then there is every reason to treat the athlete with this
form of preparation technique.
However, as there has been no definitive literature within this study in regards to the aspects
of speed, endurance and agility or within the studies of Barlow et al (2002), Goodwin et al
(2007) and Hemmings et al (2000) whom also researched within the same fields, it could be
suggested that pre event massage may also cause a hindrance within other aspects of a
badminton players performance.
Arabaci (2008) discovered an adverse effect on vertical jump height and reaction time after
executing a pre event sports massage.
This could have been due to the fact that within the massage protocols, the researcher
adopted the use of frictions as a hand technique, which is a technique that is widely
recognised as a rehabilitative measure and is not often performed as part of a pre or inter
event massage due to the fact that it is often executed to remodel scar tissue and collagen
and not to promote increased circulation or stimulation as most pre/inter event techniques
do. (Copyright SPSS ltd 2003).
These two factors are also important within the sport of badminton as vertical jump height is
represented when attempting to perform a jump smash and reaction time is a constant factor
required within a game as the shuttle is being manoeuvred all around the court at different
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Tanya Chick –ST08003621
speeds and angles. Therefore if these two components were to be negatively affected it
could be extremely detrimental to quality of performance and shot technique which could
eventually lead to the player(s) losing the match/competition. (Downey1993).
Due to the inconsistency of evidence within previous literature and the insignificant results
that were gained from this study, the use of pre event sports massage would be left entirely
down to preference and the beliefs of the players/coaches as to whether they would
incorporate it into their preparation programme.
5.6 Limitations of this Research Project
Despite using a well practiced and relative methodological process to execute all protocols
during this research project, there are many limitations that could have been present which
as a result could have directly affected the findings stated.
Firstly the participants were chosen carefully by a selection protocol which was earlier stated
in the methodology section of this study; however there are certain factors that were out of
the control of the study that may have occurred without the researcher’s recognition.
For example, the participants were requested to not partake in any physical exercise or to
consume any alcohol twenty four hours before the testing commenced, even though this was
stated from the start, there is no way of the researcher knowing whether this actually
occurred or not.
Furthermore, physiological characteristics within the participants may have caused the
results to be vastly insignificant.
Baechle and Earle (2008) identified that the cardiovascular system is designed to deliver
oxygen and other nutrients around the body to the muscles. Anaerobic and aerobic training
enables the heart to pump blood, along with the oxygen and nutrients, around the body more
efficiently and in larger quantities, which enables the muscles to work for longer periods of
time and with a relative amount of ease.
Therefore if some of the participants took part in physical activity more frequently and
vigorously than others, then the tests that were executed during this study would have been
easier to complete than someone who does not train as often.
Future prevention of this issue could include a more specific recruitment process with
regards to the participants. It could be suggested that participants had to train for a certain
number of sessions a week, e.g. all participants must train for three sessions a week.
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Tanya Chick –ST08003621
A more in depth background check into extra curricula activities of each participant could
also be adopted with the aim to find the individual fitness levels of each participant.
Another underlying issue was a lack of current literature within the area of pre event sports
massage as this could have adversely affected the results collected. This is due to the fact
that most of the previous studies that were reviewed lacked the precise method in which the
pre event sports massage was delivered. All studies in table 2 (Literature Review),
mentioned the hand techniques that were adopted and for the duration in which they were
executed, however the depth and the tempo of the strokes were neglected to be identified
and therefore increasing the difficulty to determine which methods were the best option to
adopt during this study or for future replicability.
It could be suggested that a future study may benefit from using a different pre event sports
massage protocol, such as different hand techniques, longer/shorter duration, faster/slower
tempos and increased/decreased depth to ensure that the methods used during this study
were not the only methods to retrieve an insignificant affect.
Cabello et al (2004) completed a study analysing the physiological characteristics of players
whilst competing on court during a tournament with the aim to discover which energy system
was best suited for the players in a competitive situation.
These results enabled the researchers to identify how long male and female players worked
and rested for during a game and which energy systems they were using which enabled
coaches and players to develop training programmes around the required energy system
with the aim to improve performance.
A similar protocol could be adopted but with the use of the pre event sports massage prior to
competing, this would then ensure that all participants are working at their maximal levels
and are psychologically prepared for the task in hand.
The strengths of this study enabled coaches to identify how important the aspects of speed,
endurance and agility are within a badminton context and how they should develop future
training programmes or adopt massage interventions into their preparation regimes with the
aim to improve performance during a match/competitive event.
5.7 Future Research
Cabello et al (2004) noted that speed, endurance and agility are all key components within a
badminton match/competition and due to the fact that this study found that pre event sports
massage had no significant affect with regards to these components, it is important to
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Tanya Chick –ST08003621
address possibilities for future research with the thoughts of improving the performance of
badminton players and how the player/coach can incorporate this within their preparations.
The main priority for future research has been considered as incorporating inter event
massage as well as pre event massage, this is due to the fact that Goodwin et al (2007)
recognised that the effects that are gained from pre event sports massage dissipate after ten
minutes and therefore this could be suggested that the three testing protocols of speed,
endurance and agility were not affected by the massage executed.
Therefore, by including pre and inter event massage to the same tests this will give a clearer
indication as to whether the massage actually affects performance.
If this research did identify that the massage positively affected the player’s performance, a
sports masseuse could be recruited to treat the player before and during match/competition
games.
However, a few impracticalities may surface with this mode of collecting data due to the fact
that there is a minimal amount of time between changes in ends and usually during this time
the coach will be implementing advice and also rehydration can only take place during this
break too, therefore leaving minimal time to perform massage and gain the results required.
In contrast to this a future study could also be developed to analyse the affects of a
specifically designed training regime, over a set duration of weeks that directly relates to the
protocols that were executed during this study (speed, endurance and agility).
Baechle and Earle (2008) mentioned that a mesocycle could be developed within a
Periodization programme that could be split into two smaller microcycles which often last
from anywhere between one and four weeks and are usually focused on daily or weekly
training variations.
This could therefore be adopted for future research in the aim to find if specific training
regimes can directly enhance the protocols analysed (speed, endurance and agility) over the
mesocycle programme with final testing of each aspect at the end of the programme.
If the results gained from a study such as this show a positive effect to specific training
regimes, coaches will then be able to prescribe similar exercises/regimes to their own
players to improve their performance on court and during competition.
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Tanya Chick –ST08003621
CHAPTER SIX
CONCLUSION
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
6.0 Conclusion
6.1 Major Findings
The results of the study demonstrate that pre event sports massage has no significant affect
on the lower limbs of female badminton players in relation to speed, endurance and agility.
Due to the importance of speed, endurance and agility within badminton (Bloss and Hales,
2001) it is vital that research continues to occur within these areas with the aim to improve
performance in these fields. If this can be achieved, players/coaches will then be aware of
what preparations they need to adopt to ensure the player(s) are achieving their optimal
results in a match/competition.
Future Studies should therefore be directed towards investigating the affects of pre and inter
event sports massage with the aim to find whether it will improve performance within the
speed, endurance and agility fields.
It is also suggested that the testing protocol is incorporated within a match/competition
environment; this will ensure that the participants are motivated and performing at their
maximal outputs instead of decreasing their efforts, which could have been present within
this study during the testing protocols.
Additionally, future studies should be directed towards the clarification of the preparations
that are required to ensure that future players/coaches, perform at an optimal level within all
three disciplines of speed, endurance and agility when in a game/competition situation.
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REFERENCES

Arabaci, R. (2008). Acute Effects of Pre Event Lower Limb Massage on Explosive
and High Speed Motor Capacities and Flexibility. Journal of Sports Science and
Medicine. 7: 549 – 555.

Baechle, T, R and Earle, R,W. (2008). Essentials of Strength Training and
Conditioning.3rd Ed. China: Human Kinetics.

Barlow, A, Clarke, R, Johnson, N, B, Seabourne, Thomas, D and Gal, J. (2004).
Effect of Massage of the Hamstring Muscle Group on Performance of the Sit and
Reach Test. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 38: 349 – 351.

Bloss. M, V and Hales, R, S. (2001). Winning Edge Series – Badminton.8th Ed. New
York: McGraw – Hill.

Cabello, D, Padial, P, Lees, A and Rivas, F. (2004). Temporal and Physiological
Characteristics of Elite Women’s and Men’s Singles Badminton. International Journal
of Applied Sports Sciences. 16 (2) 1 – 12.
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Copyright SPS ltd. (2003).
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Downey, J. (1993) Beyond the Basics – Excelling at Badminton. Great Britain:
Hodder and Stoughton.
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Findlay, S. (2010) Sports Massage. USA: Human Kinetics
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Ghosh, A,K. (2008). Heart Rate and Blood Lactate Responses During Execution of
Some Specific Strokes in Badminton Drills. International Journal of Applied Sports
Sciences. 20 (2) 27 – 36.
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Goodwin, J, E, Glaister, M, Howatson, G, Lockey, R, E, and McInnes, G. (2007).
Effect of Preperformance Lower Limb Massage on Thirty Metre Sprint Running.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 21 (4) 1028 – 1031.
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Gratton, C, and Jones, I. (2010). Research Methods for Sports Studies. 2nd Ed. Great
Britain : Routledge.
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Hart, J, M, Swanik, C, B and Tierney, R, T. (2005). Effects of Sport Massage on the
Limb Girth and Discomfort Associated with Eccentric Exercise. Journal of Athletic
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Hollis, M. (2009). Massage for Therapists – A Guide to Soft Tissue Therapy. 3rd Ed.
Great Britain: Wiley – Blackwell Ltd.
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Hopper, D, Deacon, S, Das, S, Jain, A, Riddell, D, Hall, T and Briffa, K. (2005).
Dynamic Soft Tissue Mobilisation Increases Hamstring Flexibility in Healthy Male
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Hunter, A, M, Watt, J, M, Watt, V and Galloway, S,D R. (2006). Effect of Lower Limb
Massage on Electromyography and Force Production of the Knee Extensors. British
Journal of Sports Medicine. 40: 114 – 118.
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Kuntze, G, Mansfield, N and Sellers, W. (2010). A biomechanical Analysis of
Common Lunge Tasks in Badminton. Journal of Sports Sciences. 28 (2) 183 – 191.
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Kuntze, G, Sellers, W, I and Mansfield, N, J. (2009) Bilateral Ground Reaction Forces
and Joint Moments for Lateral Sidestepping and Crossover Stepping Tasks. Journal
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Proceedings of the Eighth International Table Tennis Federation Sports Science
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Muscle Warm Up Enhances Badminton Footwork Performance. Appl. Physiol. Nutr.
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McKechnie, G, J, B, Young, W, B and Behm, D, G. (2007). Acute Effects of Two
Massage Techniques on Ankle Joint Flexibility and Power of the Plantar Flexors.
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Ogai, R, Yamane, M, Matsumoto, T and Kosaka M. (2008). Effects of Petrissage
Massage on Fatigue and Exercise Performance Following Intensive Cycle Pedalling.
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
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Manual Massage Effect in Knee Extensors Peak Torque during Short Term Intense
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APPENDIX
A
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
UREC Reference Number:
Project Title: A Quantitative Study into whether pre-event sports massage benefits the lower
limbs of female badminton players.
Participant Information Sheet
Background
This investigative study has been constructed to attempt to find a positive relationship between
sports massage and effective movement and physical performance on court within badminton.
Tanya Chick (the Researcher) a 3rd year student at UWIC University, will be undertaking the
experiments and tests.
The main aims of this investigative study are to enable badminton players to:



Gain more efficient and beneficial movement patterns whilst competing on court.
Reduce fatigue and lactic acid build up within the muscles to enable longer performances.
Feel like they can take anything on and be more positive as a result of the massage (fight or
flight theory).
This study will be presented as an assignment in a Year 3 student Dissertation as part of an
undergraduate University Sports Conditioning, Rehabilitation and Massage Degree.
Your Participation in this Project
Why you have been asked
You have been asked to participate in this project as it is believed that the data that is collected from
your results will aim to benefit the sport of badminton a significant amount, if the hypothesis is
proven to be correct. Therefore, as you are a badminton player this could directly affect you and
your future performance positively.
What would happen if you agree to participate within this study
There are 3 main things that will occur:
1. You will come in to have a briefing session and a pre testing massage assessment, to see
how you react to the massage techniques. You will also read and sign all necessary
documents, including the informed consent.
2. A week after this briefing you will come in to the sports hall of the University Of Wales,
institute Cardiff where you will perform a fifteen minute dynamic warm up, which will be
executed by me, Tanya Chick. You will then perform a set of three physical movement tests
on the badminton courts.
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
These will consist of:
Speed shuttle run: Starting at the back of the court and at maximal speed moving to the shuttles
placed on the court and tapping each one with your fingers, until all shuttles are moved from
their destination in the order stated. This will be repeated three times, with a two minute
recovery period in between runs.
An endurance shuttle run: The same as the test stated above however, this is now done on a
rolling clock of forty five seconds, once you have completed each shuttle run; the remaining time
left from your forty five seconds is your recovery period. This will be completed ten times, with
two minutes rest period between each run.
An on-court agility test: Starting from the back of the court you will run through the smart
speed gates at maximal speed and manoeuvre yourself around the court in the designated order
whilst using the correct footwork patterns, to get to all four cones, in each corner of the court.
This will be done three times with a two minute rest period in between each set.
3. Finally, another week later you will perform the same tests again but this time with the aid
of sports massage for fifteen minutes directly before testing. The non massage based tests
will take approximately forty five minutes and the massage based testing will take
approximately one hour.
Are there any Risks?
There are no direct risks to you or your health, the only issues that will affect you will be the physical
fatigue from the tests.
Your Rights
Throughout this study, if at any time you decide you do not want to take part you may inform the
investigator and not even have to give a reason. You should not feel like you are being forced to do
any of these tests, it is completely voluntary. This will not in any way affect your legal rights.
What happens to the results of the evaluation?
All data and results collect from this study will remain entirely anonymous, therefore not mentioning
any names, personal details, etc. All of the data will be held by the investigator and not shared with
any third parties.
The information collected will be presented in a University Dissertation and could possibly lead to
publishing in the future, but again remaining anonymous.
If you wish to do so, your results may be handed over to you to see at any time.
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
What happens next?
After you have completely read this information sheet and have agreed and are happy with all of the
conditions stated, a questionnaire must be filled out with all sections signed. We will then proceed
with the tests in the near future.
Privacy
Your privacy will be one of our top priorities at all times, the investigator will personally ensure that
all of your details and data are stored and managed very safely and efficiently.
Further Information
If you have any queries or questions about this study and your participation within it, please do not
hesitate to contact the investigator.
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
APPENDIX
B
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
UWIC PARTICIPANT CONSENT FORM
UREC Reference No:
Title of Project:
A Quantitative Study into Whether PreEvent Sports Massage can benefit the
lower limbs of female badminton players.
Name of Researcher:
Miss Tanya Chick
Participant to complete this section:
Please initial each box.
1. I confirm that I have read and understand the information sheet
dated ………. for this investigative study. I have had the opportunity
to
consider the information,
ask questions and have had these questions
answered to my satisfaction.
2. I understand that my participation is voluntary and
that I can stop taking part at any time, without giving a
reason.
3. I also understand that if I do decide to withdraw for any reason,
my relationship with the researcher, UWIC or my legal
rights, will not be affected.
4. I understand that information from this study may be used for
reporting purposes, but that I will not be identified.
5. I agree to take part in this investigative study.
__________________________________
Name of Participant
________________________________________________
Signature of Participant
Date
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
APPENDIX
C
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
Client Assessment Form
Surname: ......................................
D.O.B: .............................................
Forename: ....................................
M/F: ................................................
Title: .............................................
Address: .............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................
......................................................................Postcode: .....................................
Telephone No: ..................................
Occupation: .......................................
Name of G.P: ......................................
Address of G.P: ....................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
.......................................................................Postcode: ........................................
Date of Visit: ...............................................................................................................
Reason for Visit: ............................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
Have you had your blood pressure taken? .................................................................
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
If yes, what was the reading, when was it taken and by whom? ................................
.....................................................................................................................................
Is your general health O.K? ........................................................................................
Are you feeling well today? .........................................................................................
Are you taking any medication? ..................................................................................
If yes, what is it and what is the dosage? ...................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
Have you had any surgery?
......................................................................................................................................
If yes, what was it and when did it happen? ................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
Are you subject to any medical condition(s) or allergies if so please state below:
......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
Is there anything else that you think I should be aware of?
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
………………………………............................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
Current Medical History
Which body part do you have problems with?
………………………………...........................................................................................
How and when did this problem occur? (Date: ...........................)
………………………………..........................................................................................
………………………………...........................................................................................
What symptoms do you currently have?
………………………………............................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
What makes your condition better and what makes it worse?
………………………………...........................................................................................
………………………………...........................................................................................
Do you experience any pins and needles or loss of power?
………………………………...........................................................................................
Previous Medical History
Have you had this problem before? ...........................................................................
If the problem has occurred before, how and when did it happen?
Date: ...........………………...........................................................................................
………………………………...........................................................................................
What was done about it and by whom?
………………………………...........................................................................................
Signed Consent of Participant: ................................................... Date:........................
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
APPENDIX
D
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
Tuesday 17th January Dissertation Testing –Week 1





P5 = with massage
P6= without massage
P7= with massage
P8 = without massage
P9=without massage
Table 1. Speed Shuttle Test
Participant No.
5
Run 1
Run 2
Run 3
6
7
8
9
Table 2. Endurance Shuttle Run
P No.
5
Run 1
Run 2
Run 3
Run 4
Run 5
Run 6
Run 7
Run 8
6
7
8
9
Table 3. On-Court Agility Test
Participant No.
5
6
7
8
9
Attempt 1
Attempt 2
Attempt 3
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
Sunday 22nd January Dissertation Testing –Week 1




P1 = without massage
P2= without massage
P3= without massage
P4 = without massage
Table 1. Speed Shuttle Test
Participant No.
1
Run 1
Run 2
Run 3
2
3
4
Table 2. Endurance Shuttle Run
P No.
1
Run 1
Run 2
Run 3
Run 4
Run 5
Run 6
Run 7
Run 8
2
3
4
Table 3. On-Court Agility Test
Participant No.
1
2
3
4
Attempt 1
Attempt 2
Attempt 3
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
Tuesday 24th January Dissertation Testing –Week 2





P5 = without massage
P6= with massage
P7= without massage
P8 = with massage
P9=with massage
Table 1. Speed Shuttle Test
Participant No.
5
Run 1
Run 2
Run 3
6
7
8
9
Table 2. Endurance Shuttle Run
P No.
5
Run 1
Run 2
Run 3
Run 4
Run 5
Run 6
Run 7
Run 8
6
7
8
9
Table 3. On-Court Agility Test
Participant No.
5
6
7
8
9
Attempt 1
Attempt 2
Attempt 3
Tanya Chick –ST08003621
Sunday 29th January Dissertation Testing –Week 2




P1 = with massage
P2= with massage
P3= with massage
P4 = with massage
Table 1. Speed Shuttle Test
Participant No.
1
Run 1
Run 2
Run 3
2
3
4
Table 2. Endurance Shuttle Run
P No.
1
Run 1
Run 2
Run 3
Run 4
Run 5
Run 6
Run 7
Run 8
2
3
4
Table 3. On-Court Agility Test
Participant No.
1
2
3
4
Attempt 1
Attempt 2
Attempt 3