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C h e c k o u t A B M P 's l a t e s t n e w s a n d b l o g p o s t s . Av a i l a b l e a t w w w. a b m p . c o m . 47 The massage protocol included effleurage, compression, and tapotement to the lower extremities in the prone and supine positions. Massage was provided by three highly experienced sports massage therapists who used prerecorded audio files defining the timing and location of treatment and who practiced the treatment pre-race to ensure consistency of treatment. Subjects receiving intermittent pneumatic compression were fitted with full-length pneumatic boots on both lower extremities while in the supine position. The pump used the protocol recommended by the manufacturer, which education SOMATIC RESEARCH Approximately 1 percent of the US population will run a marathon in their lifetime. After such a physically demanding event, most athletes seek recovery through ice baths, compression clothing, or massage therapy. Postexercise massage is thought to improve muscle strength, decrease delayed onset muscle soreness, reduce swelling, and possibly increase blood circulation. Pneumatic compression is a form of treatment frequently used in hospitals to improve circulation in patients' legs when they are bedridden. This form of care is increasing in popularity for postexercise symptoms of swelling and pain, and is thought to have similar results to postexercise massage. In a recent clinical trial, researchers compared massage therapy with pneumatic compression for ultramarathon recovery. 1 The Western States Endurance Run ultramarathon is 161 kilometers, covers mountain trails, and takes a minimum of 14 hours to complete. Muscle soreness and loss of functional capacity typically lasts for several days after such a difficult race, lending to an ideal setting for comparison of recovery treatments. In this study, subjects were recruited through email 46 days prior to the race. All race entrants were invited to participate. If willing to join, subjects were asked to perform two 400-meter runs as fast as possible during the month before the ultramarathon and to electronically submit the timed results to the investigators. At race registration, interested subjects then provided full consent and pre-race data. Immediately after the race, subjects were escorted to a temperature-controlled tent for data collection and treatment interventions. Subjects were asked to submit further information during the seven days following the race. Subjects who completed the race and were still willing to participate were randomized to one of three groups: therapeutic massage (n=25), pneumatic compression (n=24), or control intervention (n=23). All interventions started within 45 minutes postrace and lasted for 20 minutes. Subjects randomized to the control group rested in the supine position on a cot for 20 minutes without any other intervention. Massage Therapy for Athletic Performance Recovery Postevent Massage May Be Beneficial By Jerrilyn Cambron, DC, PhD