The Effectiveness of Physicaltherapy Intervention For Reducing Muscle Soreness In Athletes Sepak Takraw South Sulawesi

Ruslan; Andi Ainun Zulkiah Surur; Rusli

Authors

Ruslan Universitas Negeri Makassar Author
Andi Ainun Zulkiah Surur Universitas Negeri Makassar Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1506-1756
Rusli Universitas Negeri Makassar Author

Keywords:

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness; Physiotherapy Intervention; Sepak Takraw; Post-Exercise Recovery; Athletic Performance.

Abstract

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is a common musculoskeletal condition that occurs following high-intensity physical activity, particularly in sports characterized by explosive and repetitive movements such as sepak takraw. Effective management of DOMS is essential to accelerate recovery, maintain training continuity, enhance athletic performance, and reduce the risk of secondary injuries. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of post-exercise physiotherapy interventions in reducing DOMS among sepak takraw athletes in South Sulawesi. This research employed a quantitative pre-experimental design using a one-group pretest–posttest approach. The participants consisted of 20 competitive sepak takraw athletes actively competing at provincial and national levels. Following an intense training session, participants received a multimodal physiotherapy intervention comprising ice therapy, sports massage, and stretching exercises administered within 48 hours post-exercise. The intensity of DOMS was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 24 hours and 48 hours after the intervention. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in muscle soreness, with the mean VAS score decreasing from 7.04 at 24 hours post-exercise to 2.88 at 48 hours post-intervention. Statistical analysis confirmed that the observed reduction in pain intensity was significant, indicating the effectiveness of the applied physiotherapy intervention in managing DOMS. In conclusion, post-exercise physiotherapy interventions are proven to be effective in reducing DOMS in sepak takraw athletes. The routine implementation of structured physiotherapy-based recovery programs is therefore recommended to optimize recovery, support sustained performance, and minimize injury risk in competitive sepak takraw.

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