Effects of Massage on Cardiovascular Outcomes and Perceived Exertion of Brazilian JIU-JITSU Parathletes Submitted to Simulated Fight

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the cardiovascular physiological responses and perceived exertion rate on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu parathletes submitted to a simulated fight. Six male athletes were included. After the fight, a recuperative massage protocol was applied to the upper limbs and trunk. Regarding Heart Rate (HR), values above baseline were found in all participants post intervention. Only one participant demonstrated recovery of Blood Pressure (BP) to baseline after the technique. Outcomes related to perceived exertion, measured immediately after the simulated fight, showed an average value of 8.8, which indicates perception of strenuous effort, near maximum levels. In conclusion, cardiovascular parameters did not return to baseline after intervention and strenuous perceived exertion was reported by the participants.