Effects of Sports Massage and Joint Mobilization Exercises on Balance Ability and Lower Limb Muscle Function in Older Women

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effects of sports massage therapy and joint mobilization exercises on balance ability and lower limb muscle function in elderly women. Methods A total of 23 elderly women participated in the study, divided into three groups: the sports massage group (8 participants), the joint mobilization exercise group (7 participants), and the control group (8 participants). Both interventions were conducted three times a week for six weeks, with each session lasting 30 minutes. Balance ability and physical function were assessed before and after the intervention. Results In static balance, post test scores were significantly different: 75.00 ± 11.15 for the sports massage group, 79.57 ± 11.72 for the joint mobilization group, and 64.00 ± 5.42 for the control group. For dynamic balance, pretest scores showed differences: 36.88 ± 8.71 for the sports massage group and 42.14 ± 4.74 for the joint mobilization group. Regarding walking speed, the sports massage group scored 10.87 ± 3.89 and the joint mobilization group scored 11.10 ± 3.76, both slower than the control group (6.77 ± 1.11) (p < .05). Conclusion The findings suggest that sports massage and joint mobilization exercises enhance lower limb muscle strength and improve balance in elderly women, contributing to fall prevention and improved mobility.