Efetividade da ventosaterapia na dor e fadiga muscular, sensação de recuperação e desempenho de corredores recreacionais: ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract

Introduction: Road running is increasingly attracting enthusiasts due to its accessibility, low cost, catering to various skill levels, and the ability to be practiced over different distances and locations. However, insufficient recovery from the muscle damage induced by running can hinder performance, decrease consistency, impede training progress, and impact the mental health of athletes. In clinical practice, cupping therapy has gained prominence in recent years as a muscle recovery method. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of five minutes of cupping therapy in the recovery of the quadriceps muscle in recreational runners regarding muscle pain, muscle fatigue, perception of recovery, and performance after running. Method: A randomized clinical trial with a 72-hour follow-up period. Runners were randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. The experimental group received cupping therapy on the quadriceps muscle, while the control group received placebo joint mobilization on the hip and knee after running. Muscle pain and fatigue (Numerical Visual Analog Scale), perception of recovery (Perceived Global Effect Scale), and vertical jump performance (My Jump 2 app) were assessed before and after the intervention and at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-intervention. To estimate the difference between the groups, the generalized estimating equation was used. Results: Eighty-one recreational runners participated in the study. There were no significant differences in muscle pain -0.61 (95% CI -1.35 to 0.14), fatigue -0.38 (95% CI -1.21 to 0.45), perception of recovery 0.11 (95% CI -0.54 to 0.75), and performance 0.75 (-1.99 to 3.49). Conclusion: Cupping therapy on the quadriceps after running does not improve muscle pain, fatigue, perception of recovery, and performance, raising questions about the choice of this method in clinical practice.