Comparative effects of dynamic cupping therapy and conventional exercises on calf muscle on athletic performance in basketball players: randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Basketball is one of the most popular sports. In basketball, the energy demand from several combinations of aerobic and anaerobic sports in which athletes need physical fitness, explosive power, agility, balance, and strength. The present study aimed to compare the effect of dry cupping therapy in addition to exercise on the outcome of dynamic balance, agility and vertical jump on calf muscle in basketball players. Materials and methods The study design is a Parallel arm randomized trial by lottery method. 30 basketball players are recruited for the study. The participants are divided into two groups; each group will have 15 participants. Group A: Experimental Group (15 players) and Group B: Control Group (15 players). The experimental group received dynamic cupping therapy with exercise whereas the control group received conventional treatment alone exercise for (3 days/week). Outcome variables such as dynamic balance, power and agility were evaluated at baseline and after 4 weeks of study duration. Results Analysis was performed for quantitative variables, with calculation of mean, and standard deviation. The finding suggested there are a significant improvement in the parameter of vertical jump and a slight improvement in balance in both groups. Conclusion It’s observed that dry cupping therapy may be considered as an adjunct treatment in releasing muscle tightness and improving athletic performance in basketball players.