Abstract

“ROLE OF ABHYANGA IN MODULATING NEUROMUSCULAR FATIGUE IN COMPETITIVE FOOTBALL PLAYERS”

Dr. Shravankumar C. Madli*, Dr. Vijaymahantesh Hugar, Dr. Varsha Kulkarni

ABSTRACT

Despite advances in contemporary sports medicine, recurrence of soft tissue injuries, delayed neuromuscular recovery, and cumulative fatigue remain significant challenges in football athletes. Ayurveda, the traditional medical system of India, offers a holistic and individualized approach to sports health, where in Abhyanga is described as a daily and therapeutic intervention for maintaining musculoskeletal integrity and enhancing physical endurance. Classical Ayurvedic literature describes Abhyanga as Vata-shamaka, balya, and mamsa-sandhi-poshaka, making it particularly applicable to the Vata-dominant pathophysiology observed in overuse injuries, ligament sprains, muscle strains, and post-exertional fatigue. From a modern physiological perspective, Abhyanga enhance peripheral circulation, improve lymphatic drainage, reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), modulate autonomic balance, decrease inflammatory mediators, and promote neuromuscular relaxation. These mechanisms collectively support faster recovery, improved flexibility, reduced injury susceptibility, and optimized performance. By synthesizing available evidence on football injury epidemiology with Ayurvedic theoretical constructs, this review proposes Abhyanga as a complementary strategy in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance maintenance among football players. Integrating Abhyanga into structured sports medicine protocols may offer a safe, non-invasive, and cost-effective adjunct for enhancing athletic resilience and recovery in competitive football. This review examines the relevance of Abhyanga in the context of football-related and athletic performance.

Keywords: Abhyanga, Football player, Shramahara.