Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
ISSN: 1303 - 2968   
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©Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2024) 23, 126 - 135   DOI: https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2024.126

Research article
Effects of Percussive Massage Treatments on Symptoms Associated with Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage
Trevor D. Roberts, Pablo B. Costa, Scott K. Lynn, Jared W. Coburn 
Author Information
California State University Center for Sport Performance and Exercise Physiology Lab, Fullerton, CA, USA

Jared W. Coburn
✉ Department of Kinesiology California State University, Fullerton, USA
Email: jcoburn@fullerton.edu
Publish Date
Received: 10-11-2023
Accepted: 11-01-2024
Published (online): 01-03-2024
 
 
ABSTRACT

Percussive massage (PM) is an emerging recovery treatment despite the lack of research on its effects post-eccentric exercise (post-EE). This study investigated the effects of PM treatments (immediately, 24, 48, and 72 h post-EE) on the maximal isometric torque (MIT), range of motion (ROM), and an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS) of soreness of the nondominant arm's biceps brachii from 24-72 h post-EE. Seventeen untrained, college-aged subjects performed 60 eccentric elbow flexion actions with their nondominant arms. Nine received 1 minute of PM, versus eight who rested quietly (control [CON]). In order, NRS, ROM, and MIT (relative to body mass) were collected pre-eccentric exercise (pre-EE) and after treatment (AT) at 24, 48, and 72 h post-EE. NRS was also collected before treatment (BT). Electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitudes were collected during the MIT and normalized to pre-EE. There were no interactions for MIT, EMG, or MMG, but there were interactions for ROM and NRS. For ROM, the PM group had higher values than the CON 24-72 h by ~6-8°, a faster return to pre-EE (PM: 48 h, CON: 72 h), and exceeded their pre-EE at 72 h by ~4°. The groups’ NRS values did not differ BT 24-72 h; however, the PM group lowered their NRS from BT to AT within every visit by ~1 point per visit, which resulted in them having lower values than the CON from 24-72 h by ~2-3 points. Additionally, the PM group returned their NRS to pre-EE faster than the CON (PM: BT 72 h, CON: never). In conclusion, PM treatments may improve ROM without affecting isometric strength or muscle activation 24-72 h post-EE. Although the PM treatments did not enhance the recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness until 72 h, they consistently provided immediate, temporary relief when used 24-72 h post-EE.

Key words: Percussion, massage gun, vibration, delayed onset muscle soreness, recovery, muscular strength


           Key Points
  • Seventeen apparently healthy, untrained, college-aged subjects performed 60 eccentric elbow flexion actions with their nondominant arms
  • Nine subjects received 1 minute of percussive massage on their nondominant arm’s biceps brachii immediately, 24, 48, and 72 h post-eccentric exercise, versus eight subjects rested quietly (i.e., control group)
  • Percussive massage improved range of motion without affecting isometric muscular strength or activation from 24-72 h post-eccentric exercise
  • Percussive massage did not accelerate the recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness until 72 h post-eccentric exercise
  • Percussive massage provided immediate, temporary relief in perceived muscle soreness when given 24, 48, and 72 h post-eccentric exercise
 
 
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