振動按摩與冰敷在棒球投球疲勞恢復的效果

Abstract

振動按摩設備透過特定的振動嘗試來緩解肌肉酸痛，是較新而且較少被研究的疲勞恢復方法，有關它對個體知覺動作功能和表現恢復影響的實證研究仍然有限。本研究目的旨在比較振動按摩及冰敷兩種不同處理方式對於棒球投手投球疲勞後肩部知覺動作和力量表現的恢復效果，以15名大學一般組投手為參與者 (年齡22.5 ± 1.6歲)，其每週訓練兩天以上且無手臂受傷情況，實驗採完全組內設計分別要接受兩種處理：振動按摩及冰敷。參與者進行模擬比賽的投球5局共計75球，每局之間休息8分鐘，其間監控球速、轉速和肘關節受力，投球結束後分別進行10分鐘的肩部肌肉群按摩槍振動按摩及15分鐘的15°冰袋冷療處理。在投球前、投球後、恢復處理後及48小時後，接受肩內旋/外旋120°/s和300°/s的最大等速肌力測試，以及慣用肩的感覺動作測試；48小時後再投1局。結果發現經過振動刺激或冰敷恢復處理後，均可立即與在48小時後降低肩部肌肉酸痛和改善肩關節角度感覺，以及在處理後48小時恢復部分的肩部肌力。冷療處理在減輕酸痛的立即效果，以及在處理後48小時的肘部扭矩和肩部外旋肌力恢復效果都是優於振動按摩；但是在處理後48小時的球速和轉速上，兩種恢復處理之間沒有差異，且球速、轉速都尚未恢復到第一局時的水準。本研究發現劇烈的棒球投球造成的上肢延遲性肌肉酸痛明顯持續到48小時，冷療處理較有助於減少肌肉的發炎，有利於肩部肌力的恢復，而振動按摩對疲勞引起的軟組織受損的修補效果可能不足夠。本研究發現建議棒球投球後的疲勞處理還是以冷療為主，可以再搭配其它的輔助方法來協助投手的疲勞恢復。Handheld percussive massage devices, such as massage guns, are newer and under-researched tools designed to alleviate muscle soreness through targeted vibration. However, empirical data on their impact on sensorimotor function and performance recovery has been rare. The purpose of this study aimed to compare the recovery effects of two treatments, percussive massage and ice therapy, on shoulder sensorimotor function and strength following baseball pitching fatigue. Fifteen collegiate baseball pitchers from Level 2 and 3 teams, all training at least twice per week and with no history of upper-extremity injuries, were recruited as participants. Using a within-subjects design, each participant completed both recovery treatments: percussive massage and ice therapy. All participants simulated a five-inning game by pitching 75 balls, with an 8-minute rest between innings. During the pitching protocol, pitch velocity, spin rate, and elbow valgus torque were recorded. After pitching, participants underwent 10 minutes of percussive massage using a massage gun or 15 minutes of 15°C icing therapy on the dominant shoulder muscles. Participants performed maximal isokinetic strength tests of shoulder internal and external rotation at 120°/s and 300°/s, along with three sensorimotor tests on the dominant shoulder. These assessments were conducted at four time points: before pitching, after pitching, after recovery treatment, and 48 hours later. During the 48-hour follow-up session, participants also completed one simulated inning. The results showed that both percussive massage and ice therapy effectively reduced shoulder muscle soreness and improved joint position sense immediately after treatment and at 48 hours post-treatment. Partial recovery of shoulder muscle strength was also observed 48 hours after the interventions. Ice therapy demonstrated superior immediate effects in relieving soreness, as well as greater improvements in elbow valgus torque and shoulder external rotation strength at 48 hours compared to percussive massage. However, no significant differences were found between the two treatments in pitch velocity and spin rate at the 48-hour follow-up, and both variables remained below their baseline levels recorded in the first inning. These findings suggest that high-intensity baseball pitching induces delayed onset muscle soreness that persists for at least 48 hours. Ice therapy appears more effective in mitigating inflammation and promoting shoulder strength recovery. In contrast, percussive massage may be insufficient for addressing deeper soft tissue fatigue and damage. Therefore, ice therapy remains a recommended primary method for post-pitching recovery, potentially in combination with other modalities to enhance recovery outcomes for baseball pitchers.