Impact of wet and dry cupping therapy on endurance, perceived wellness, and exertion in recreational male runners

Abstract

Background
Cupping therapy (CT), an ancient practice revived in modern sports medicine, offers potential benefits for athlete recovery and performance. Distinctions between wet CT (WCT) and dry CT (DCT) in sports science focus on their effects on recovery metrics, particularly how they influence sleep quality, perceived wellness, and athletic performance. Despite anecdotal evidence of its efficacy, rigorous comparative studies are scarce.

Objective
This study aimed to evaluates and compare the effects of WCT and DCT on endurance, perceived wellness, exertion levels, and sleep quality among young, active males, addressing the gap in the literature regarding CT's efficacy in sports performance and recovery.

Methods
Thirty-two amateur runners were randomly divided into two groups: one followed WCT sessions and the other followed DCT sessions. The study assessed the interventions' impacts on endurance performance (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and perceived exertion (Borg CR10 Scale). Heart rate was measured using a Polar H10 sensor to gauge physiological responses during physical tests.

Results
Significant improvements were observed in the WCT group for sleep latency (% change ​= ​−82.31%; interaction group ​× ​time p ​= ​0.006; Cohen's d ​= ​0.74) and sleep disturbance (% change ​= ​−68.70%; interaction group ​× ​time p ​< ​0.001; Cohen's d ​= ​1.09), suggesting enhanced sleep quality (global score; % change ​= ​−52.81; interaction group ​× ​time p ​= ​0.004; Cohen's d ​= ​0.77). However, no significant differences were found in direct performance metrics (distance, maximal heart rate, maximal oxygen uptake) between WCT and DCT groups. These findings highlight WCT's potential as a recovery aid, particularly through improved sleep, without directly influencing endurance performance outcomes.

Conclusion
WCT may serve as an effective ergogenic aid for athletes by potentially improving sleep quality and reducing perceived exertion, thus contributing indirectly to performance through enhanced recovery.