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1- Department of Sports Medicine, Sport Sciences Research Institute, Tehran, Iran.
2- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
3- Department of Sports sciences, Shomal University, Amol, Iran.
4- Department of Corrective Exercise & Sport injury, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.
2- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
3- Department of Sports sciences, Shomal University, Amol, Iran.
4- Department of Corrective Exercise & Sport injury, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (20 Views)
Background: Parkinson’s disease is a common and progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting older adults. It is characterized by motor symptoms including resting tremor, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability, all of which contribute to reduced quality of life and diminished functional ability. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as massage therapy and foam rolling, have been suggested as potential complementary strategies to improve motor performance and reduce fall risk in this population. The present study aimed to examine the acute effects of a single session of massage versus foam rolling on balance, functional performance, and gait parameters in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial with a pre-test/post-test design was conducted involving 30 elderly individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Participants were randomly assigned to either a massage group (n = 15) or a foam rolling group (n = 15). Both interventions were delivered in a single session, with each participant receiving only one intervention (either massage or foam rolling), and both groups were assessed concurrently before and immediately after the intervention. Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (assessing static and dynamic balance), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test (measuring functional mobility), the Single-Leg Stance test (evaluating postural control), the Sit and Reach test (assessing lower back and hamstring flexibility), and a knee proprioception test (measuring joint position sense). Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), with the significance level set at α = 0.05.
Findings: The results demonstrated that both interventions led to a statistically significant improvement in balance, motor performance, and gait parameters in the elderly participants with Parkinson’s disease (p < 0.001 for all within-group comparisons). The between-group effect was not significant for most of the outcome measures; however, a notable exception was observed for the Berg Balance Scale, where the massage group showed significantly better performance compared to the foam rolling group (F = 7.22, p = 0.012). The time × group interaction effect was not statistically significant for any of the assessed variables (p > 0.05), indicating that the pattern of improvement over time did not differ between the two interventions.
Conclusion: Both massage and foam rolling effectively improve motor performance and balance in elderly with Parkinson’s disease; however, massage shows superiority in some indicators such as neuromuscular control and muscle tone reduction. These findings support short-term, cost-effective rehabilitation programs to reduce fall risk and enhance quality of life.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial with a pre-test/post-test design was conducted involving 30 elderly individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Participants were randomly assigned to either a massage group (n = 15) or a foam rolling group (n = 15). Both interventions were delivered in a single session, with each participant receiving only one intervention (either massage or foam rolling), and both groups were assessed concurrently before and immediately after the intervention. Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (assessing static and dynamic balance), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test (measuring functional mobility), the Single-Leg Stance test (evaluating postural control), the Sit and Reach test (assessing lower back and hamstring flexibility), and a knee proprioception test (measuring joint position sense). Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), with the significance level set at α = 0.05.
Findings: The results demonstrated that both interventions led to a statistically significant improvement in balance, motor performance, and gait parameters in the elderly participants with Parkinson’s disease (p < 0.001 for all within-group comparisons). The between-group effect was not significant for most of the outcome measures; however, a notable exception was observed for the Berg Balance Scale, where the massage group showed significantly better performance compared to the foam rolling group (F = 7.22, p = 0.012). The time × group interaction effect was not statistically significant for any of the assessed variables (p > 0.05), indicating that the pattern of improvement over time did not differ between the two interventions.
Conclusion: Both massage and foam rolling effectively improve motor performance and balance in elderly with Parkinson’s disease; however, massage shows superiority in some indicators such as neuromuscular control and muscle tone reduction. These findings support short-term, cost-effective rehabilitation programs to reduce fall risk and enhance quality of life.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Sport injury and corrective exercises
Received: 2026/01/28 | Accepted: 2026/05/16
Received: 2026/01/28 | Accepted: 2026/05/16
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