Pocklington, A. J., & Repovich, W. E. (2002). The effects of massage on metabolism. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(5), Supplement abstract 398.

Female Ss were subjected to a 10-min resting period, an hour of standard full-body massage, and a concluding 15-min recovery period. Metabolism was measured as O2 consumption.

Metabolism increased significantly from rest to recovery. The stimulation of metabolism was least with the abdomen and back.

Implication. Full-body massage increases metabolism and could be considered a form of active recovery.

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