Effects of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Pressotherapy on Muscle Recovery After Eccentric Exercise in Physically Active Young Adults

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), and passive rest on recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) induced by a Nordic Hamstring Exercise protocol in physically active young adults. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of three recovery strategies after completing a standardized eccentric exercise protocol designed to induce muscle damage. Recovery will be assessed through clinical, metabolic, functional, and anthropometric outcomes, including delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), perceived recovery status (PRS), blood lactate concentration, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, and thigh circumference. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, immediately after exercise, during the acute recovery period, immediately after the assigned intervention, and during follow-up visits at 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days. The study aims to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage and pressotherapy as post-exercise recovery strategies in physically active young adults.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18 and 30 years. * Physically active according to the World Health Organization recommendations. * Able to understand and follow study procedures. * Willing to provide written informed consent. * Able to attend all assessment sessions. * No lower-limb musculoskeletal injury within the previous 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * History of cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, or neuromuscular disorders. * Current musculoskeletal pain or injury affecting the lower limbs. * Lower-limb surgery within the previous 6 months. * Current use of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, or muscle recovery medications. * Participation in vigorous exercise within 24 hours prior to baseline assessment. * Receipt of physiotherapy, manual lymphatic drainage, or pressotherapy treatment within the previous month. * Contraindications to manual lymphatic drainage or intermittent pneumatic compression. * Inability to comply with study procedures.