Students of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) from KKN-M Group 31699 Pelemadu, Sriharjo, Imogiri, Bantul, held a socialization and training session on sports massage for residents of Pelemadu Hamlet. The activity was one of the group’s community service programs aimed at providing residents with practical knowledge and skills in massage techniques to help maintain physical fitness and health.
The activity began with a presentation on the definition and benefits of sports massage delivered by Kurnia Qisthi Abdillah, a member of KKN-M 31699 who served as the speaker. Kurnia explained that sports massage is a massage technique designed to help the body relax, reduce soreness, improve blood circulation, and support recovery after physical activity. Although the technique was initially widely used by athletes, Kurnia said it can also be applied by the general public when performed properly.
In her presentation, Kurnia also explained several benefits of sports massage, including reducing muscle soreness and pain, improving blood circulation, helping the body relax, and increasing muscle flexibility. She added that sports massage can be performed after exercise, after heavy physical work such as farming, gardening, or lifting objects, when the body feels sore, or when relaxation is needed.
After the material presentation, participants were introduced to several basic sports massage techniques, including effleurage or stroking, petrissage or kneading and squeezing, walken or transverse rubbing, tapotement or rhythmic tapping, and shaking or vibration movements.
The UNY students also provided information on conditions that must be considered before giving a massage. Sports massage is not recommended for people who have a fever, fractures, swelling or infection, or contagious skin diseases.
Participants were also given tips before performing massage, such as washing hands, using lotion, ensuring a comfortable body position, and avoiding excessive pressure during massage.
Head of KKN-M 31699, Fahlami Dwiana Retnani, said the activity was a form of student contribution in providing knowledge that can be directly applied by the community. “Through this activity, we want the community not only to understand the benefits of sports massage, but also to learn the basic techniques and things that need to be considered before performing massage. We hope the knowledge shared can be used to help maintain fitness and provide relaxation after residents carry out their daily activities,” she said on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
The activity also introduced the sequence of body massage in both face-down and face-up positions, covering the legs, soles of the feet, gluteal area, waist and back, shoulders and neck, and other parts of the body.
The sports massage socialization and training session was carried out by members of KKN-M 31699, consisting of Hari Setyo Nur Pamungkas, Vianola Nurfitrah, Devi Lestari, Fakhriyatu Aghyna Mardlotillah, Fauzan Ahmad Maulana, Mutia Imra’ Atuzabah, Paula Angela Merici Eka Praset, Kurnia Qisthi Abdillah, Mahundri Luhridama Selpa, and Fahlami Dwiana Retnani.
The KKN program also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-Being. Through education on fitness, relaxation, and proper massage techniques, the activity helped increase public knowledge of efforts to maintain health and well-being.
The activity also served as a contribution by UNY students in delivering an educational and practical community empowerment program, while strengthening the relationship between students and residents through activities that provide direct benefits.
