The Effect of Manurak Massage Method and PNF Stretching on Shoulder Muscle Pain in the ITERA Boxing Community

Abstract

Muscle pain is one of the common issues experienced by boxing athletes, particularly in the shoulder and arm regions, as these joints and muscles are the most frequently engaged in movement. Additionally, improper recovery processes can lead to spasms and chronic shoulder pain, which may negatively impact performance in competitions. Several studies have shown that Manurak massage is quite effective in alleviating pain and muscle stiffness. Meanwhile, stretching has become a common post-match routine among elite athletes to prevent muscle stiffness. This study aims to analyze the effect of the Manurak massage method and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching on reducing shoulder muscle pain in the boxing community at Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA). The research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group approach. The sample consisted of 30 boxers divided into two groups: the treatment group, which received Manurak massage, and the control group, which received PNF stretching. Data were collected by measuring muscle pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after the intervention. The results showed that both treatment groups significantly reduced pain levels (p-value < 0.001). However, the Mann-Whitney U test indicated that Manurak massage was more effective in reducing shoulder muscle pain. The study concludes that the Manurak massage method is more effective than PNF stretching in alleviating muscle spasms and reducing muscle pain in boxing athletes. The findings suggest the implementation of Manurak massage as part of recovery programs for minor shoulder joint and muscle injuries in boxing, particularly for athletes in the ITERA boxing community. Further research is recommended to explore the physiological mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of this therapy and to examine its benefits in athletes with varying training intensities.