Acute Effect of Percussive Massage on Cross‐Section Area, Muscle Strength, and Late Muscle Pain of the Quadriceps Muscle Following a Fatigue Protocol in Physically Active Men: Randomized Clinical Trial
Source: PubMed Central Open Access, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine
ABSTRACT Background and Purpose The massage gun is widely used to alleviate delayed‐onset muscle soreness (DOMS); however, empirical evidence regarding its physiological effects remains limited. pri70246-sec-0001 Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of percussive massage on the quadriceps muscle's cross‐sectional area (CSA), strength performance, and pain perception following a fatigue protocol. pri70246-sec-0002 Methods A randomized clinical trial was conducted including 37 physically active men. Participants performed a fatigue protocol on a 45° leg press, at 70% of their one‐repetition maximum (1RM). The volunteers were allocated to an intervention group (G0= 19, mean ± SD; 25.7 ± 4.5 years, 83.7 ± 10.6 kg, 176.8 ± 6.3 cm) and control group (G1= 18, mean ± SD; 27.6 ± 5.0 years, 76.8 ± 15.7 kg, 174 ± 7.3 cm). Assessments were performed at baseline, 24 and 48 h, using ultrasound imaging, isometric dynamometer and VAS questionnaire (visual analog pain scale). pri70246-sec-0003 Results Regarding the muscle area, significant increases were observed in the control group 2.0) in strength maintenance at 24 and 48 h compared to G1. Both groups showed reduction in pain over time, while G0 demonstrated a significant decrease at 48 h compared to 24 h (53%,< 0.001). pri70246-sec-0004 Conclusion Within‐group assessments revealed significant reductions in pain perception over time for the intervention group. Regarding muscle strength, despite a large exploratory effe
Abstract
ABSTRACT Background and Purpose The massage gun is widely used to alleviate delayed‐onset muscle soreness (DOMS); however, empirical evidence regarding its physiological effects remains limited. pri70246-sec-0001 Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of percussive massage on the quadriceps muscle's cross‐sectional area (CSA), strength performance, and pain perception following a fatigue protocol. pri70246-sec-0002 Methods A randomized clinical trial was conducted including 37 physically active men. Participants performed a fatigue protocol on a 45° leg press, at 70% of their one‐repetition maximum (1RM). The volunteers were allocated to an intervention group (G0= 19, mean ± SD; 25.7 ± 4.5 years, 83.7 ± 10.6 kg, 176.8 ± 6.3 cm) and control group (G1= 18, mean ± SD; 27.6 ± 5.0 years, 76.8 ± 15.7 kg, 174 ± 7.3 cm). Assessments were performed at baseline, 24 and 48 h, using ultrasound imaging, isometric dynamometer and VAS questionnaire (visual analog pain scale). pri70246-sec-0003 Results Regarding the muscle area, significant increases were observed in the control group 2.0) in strength maintenance at 24 and 48 h compared to G1. Both groups showed reduction in pain over time, while G0 demonstrated a significant decrease at 48 h compared to 24 h (53%,< 0.001). pri70246-sec-0004 Conclusion Within‐group assessments revealed significant reductions in pain perception over time for the intervention group. Regarding muscle strength, despite a large exploratory effect size observed during recovery, no statistically significant between‐group superiority over passive rest was established. The findings suggest potential preliminary benefits for symptom relief without acute performance deficits. pri70246-sec-0005