12주간 근막이완요법 적용이 대학생들의 누적피로도, 신체활력도 및 자율신경건강도 변화에 미치는 영향

Abstract

This study examined the effects of a 12-week Myofascial Release Therapy(MRT) program on cumulative fatigue, physical vitality, and autonomic nervous system health in university students. A total of 34 male students from a metropolitan university were assigned to either the MRT group(n=17) or a control group(n=17). The MRT group received two sessions per week for 12 weeks. The results showed a significant 10.53% increase in cumulative fatigue recovery in the MRT group(p<.001), whereas the control group experienced a 12.84% decline, indicating a worsening of fatigue (p<.001). Physical vitality improved by 4.16% in the MRT group, although the change was not statistically significant, while the control group exhibited a significant 9.60% decrease(p<.01). Regarding autonomic nervous system function, sympathetic activity significantly increased by 4.77% in the MRT group(p<.05), and parasympathetic activity significantly decreased by 4.30% (p<.01), suggesting enhanced autonomic regulation. Significant interaction effects between group and time were found for both sympathetic and parasympathetic indicators(F=5.849 and F=5.565, respectively, p<.05). In conclusion, the 12-week application of Myofascial Release Therapy effectively reduced cumulative fatigue and improved autonomic nervous system balance in university students. These findings support its potential as a non-pharmacological intervention for promoting physiological recovery and regulating neurophysiological health in young adults.