Pengaruh sport massage terhadap tingkat kelelahan otot pada atlet

Muscle fatigue is a common condition experienced by athletes after high-intensity physical activity and may affect recovery and readiness for subsequent training. Sport massage is one of the recovery methods commonly used to help reduce fatigue and support athletes' recovery processes. This study aims to examine the effect of sport massage on muscle fatigue levels in athletes through a literature review. The study employed a literature review method by examining relevant national journal articles discussing sport massage, muscle fatigue, athlete recovery, DOMS, heart rate, muscle tension, and blood lactic acid levels. The articles were analyzed descriptively by comparing the characteristics of the subjects, massage techniques and duration, measured indicators, and research findings. The results indicate that sport massage tends to help reduce perceived fatigue, muscle tension, and muscle soreness, while supporting the recovery process, as reflected in changes in physiological indicators such as heart rate and blood lactic acid levels. Sport massage also has the potential to support DOMS recovery and improve athletes' physical comfort and readiness. Therefore, sport massage can be used as a supportive method in athletes' recovery programs, but it should be combined with adequate rest, nutrition, hydration, stretching, and appropriate training-load management. Keywords: sport massage, muscle fatigue, athletes