Effect of Dry Cupping on Muscle Strength, Anaerobic Power, Cognitive Function and Mood States of Athletes

Abstract

Objective: Dry cupping (DC) is widely used to improve sports performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of DC on muscle strength, anaerobic power, cognitive function, and mood states of athletes. Methods: In this counterbalanced quasi-experimental study with randomized crossover design, 12 male athletes participated. After signing a consent form, they randomly experienced two conditions (10 min of DC or no treatment) in two sessions one week apart. Muscle strength using a back and leg dynamometer, power anaerobic using the 30-second Wingate test, mood states using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire, and cognitive function using the Tower of London test were measured after intervention. Data were analyzed using paired sample t-test considering a significance level of 0.05. Results: DC significantly increased mean power (t11=-2.625, p=0.024), with no significant effect on muscle strength (t11=1.106, p=0.293) and peak power (t11=-1.389, p=0.192). Treatment with DC had no significant effect on tension, depression, anger, vigor, confusion, calmness or happiness of subjects (p>0.05). In contrast, a significant decrease in mental fatigue (t11=2.209, p=0.049) and cognitive function (t11=-2.602, p=0.025) were observed after DC. Conclusion: DC can improve mean anaerobic power and cognitive function, and reduce fatigue of the athletes.