Optimizing Athletes' Recovery and Performance: A Review of Vibration Therapy, Compression Garments, and Massage

Abstract

It is evident that vibration therapy, massage, and compression garments are increasingly common recovery modalities among amateur and elite athletes. We performed a literature review via PubMed examining the effect of these modalities on measures of sports performance and recovery. We identified 29 eligible articles for vibration therapy, 31 eligible articles for compression garments, and 25 eligible articles for massage. Our review revealed varying degrees of support for each of the recovery modalities. However, our review also highlighted a need for standardized protocols in future studies to better understand how the modalities help athletes recover as to define optimal duration and frequency for maximal effects. Overall, all modalities reviewed seem safe to use and likely would not hinder sports performance or prolong recovery. It is a matter of how much benefit an athlete can gain when recovering from training.