Key result
Guasha therapy significantly decreased the low frequency domain and LF/HF ratio of heart rate variability (P < 0.05) compared to sham and control groups in male weightlifters.
Why the study?
Does Guasha therapy improve the rating of perceived exertion scale score and heart rate variability in male weightlifters?
RCT (n=65)
Does Guasha therapy improve the rating of perceived exertion scale score and heart rate variability in male weightlifters?
Guasha therapy over 8 weeks reduced perceived exertion and modulated heart rate variability in male weightlifters, suggesting potential utility for sports recovery.
Guasha may support autonomic recovery in weightlifters; extends RCT evidence for traditional therapies in sports cardiology.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Guasha therapy on the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale score, and heart rate variability (HRV). METHODS: A randomized controlled trial of Guasha (skin scraping) was compared with a sham scraping group and control group. Sixteen sessions within an 8-week period were completed. Sixty-five male weightlifters who had undergone normal weightlifting training for a mean of 5 years before study commencement were recruited. The RPE scale score of "snatch", "clean and jerk" maneuvers (85% of one-repetition maximum), and HRV were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: The RPE scale score for snatch, clean and jerk were reduced significantly after intervention in the Guasha group and sham group. However, there was a significant difference in the low frequency (LF) domain and LF/high frequency (HF) ratio (P < 0.05): the LF domain decreased, and the LF/HF ratio decreased. CONCLUSION: Guasha could be used to reduce the RPE scale score, and increase the response to HRV. Guasha could be considered as an alternative to some types of recovery from sports training.
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Wang et al. (2017) conducted an RCT in Healthy male weightlifters (n=65). Guasha (skin scraping) vs. Sham scraping and control group was evaluated on Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale score and heart rate variability (HRV) (p=< 0.05). Guasha therapy significantly decreased the low frequency domain and LF/HF ratio of heart rate variability (P < 0.05) compared to sham and control groups in male weightlifters.
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