(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Schilz, Mignon; Andrews, Barry
Sport massage therapy has been understood to have a positive effect on anxiety
levels. It has been reported that sport massage therapy psychologically reduces stress levels,
decreases nervous system tension and anxiety, as well as improves concentration during and
after performances. Researchers tends to agree with these reports and have found that in the
psychological area it has indicated that sports massage therapy does have a positive effect on
anxiety levels. Research indicates that after receiving a sports massage the parasympathetic
activity and the hormonal levels resulted in a relaxation response of the body's physiological
mechanism.