Posttraining Dry Cupping Treatment Elevates Heart Rate Variability in Taekwondo Athletes

Elite taekwondo (TKD) athletes require physical strength and mastery of complex techniques to excel in a highly competitive environment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dry cupping posttraining on heart rate variability (HRV) and recovery in TKD athletes. Fourteen male TKD athletes participated in a crossover study and were randomly assigned to either a dry cupping (Group CUP) or a placebo group without cupping (Group PLA) after completing a standardized TKD-specific training program. A 28-day washout period was implemented between the two treatments to minimize potential carryover effects. HRV and rated perceived exertion (RPE) were evaluated at three-time points: before training (Pre), immediately after training (Post), and 30 min after rest or dry cupping (Post30) in both groups. The results indicated that heart rate (HR) at Post and Post30 was significantly higher than at Pre in both groups. Low frequency (LF) and the LF/high frequency (HF) ratio at Post were significantly elevated compared to Pre in both groups. However, at Post30, these values remained significantly higher in Group PLA but not in Group CUP. HF at Post was significantly reduced compared to Pre in both groups, but at Post30, this reduction persisted only in Group PLA and not in Group CUP. Significant differences in the levels of LF, HF, and the LF/HF ratio were observed between Group PLA and Group CUP at Post30. The CUP group also showed significantly lower RPE compared to the PLA group at Post30. In conclusion, dry cupping treatment after TKD training significantly improved HRV parameters and reduced perceived fatigue, suggesting its potential as an effective method for enhancing recovery in TKD athletes.