The Efficacy of Lymphatic Massage on Lower Extremity Edema and Performance After Treadmill Exercise in Sprinter Compare to Static Stretching and Cold Water Immersion

One certified physical therapist will perform the massage regimens and techniques adapting from Swedish massage such as effleurage and petrissage that will be used in the massage group. Participants will first lay down in prone position, and the massage leg will be supported on the therapist's leg or on pillows with legs being positioned at approximately 30 degrees of knee flexion. This can promote venous return of the lower legs and also keep the ankle plantar flexors in a relative low muscle tension position. After positioning, long strokes will be applied from the distal to proximal part of gastrocnemius with approximately 20 repetitions and then 20 repetitions of circular strokes would be applied at the popliteal fossa. Finally, therapist will knead around participant's Achilles tendon for 10 repetitions.6 The combination of the techniques mentioned above will repeat 3 times in each subject, and the total duration of massage will be approximately 5 minutes.

For the static stretching group, participants will perform the standing gastrocnemius stretches. First, participant stands facing a wall and put the stretched leg behind the body. Physical therapist will ask the participant to slightly flex the front leg, and keep back leg extended with heel on the ground. Both toes will be positioned pointing forward. Participant will then be asked to lunge forward slowly until the calf muscles on the back leg feeling stretched. Participant will hold in this position for 60 seconds and repeat 3 times.

In the cold-water immersion group, participant's lower leg will be put in a bucket filled with cold water for 10 minute. The temperature of the water will be kept in 11-15 degrees Celsius.52 The water level should reach participant's fibular head to ensure complete immersion of the lower leg.