Effects of a semester-long massage practice on low back pain and physical fitness in university students

This quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate the effects of a semester-long massage practice on low back pain and physical fitness among university students. A total of 124 students (87 male, 37 female) enrolled in a sports science program participated in structured massage training using the Albert Hoffa technique. Over a 14-week period, students practiced three times per week under supervision. Physical activity was assessed using the short-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and back pain was measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Findings indicated a significant moderate negative correlation between physical activity and low back pain levels (r =-.62, p < .001), with moderate to large effect sizes observed across outcomes. These results demonstrate that semester-long educational massage interventions can enhance physical activity, reduce musculoskeletal pain, and may represent a promising, non-pharmacological strategy for managing musculoskeletal complaints in young adults. Future research should extend to clinical populations, employ longer follow-up periods, and incorporate standardized protocols to strengthen generalizability.