The effect of percussion and manual activation massage on explosive strength and balance in young adult males: A crossover pilot study.

BACKGROUND

Recently, the usage of percussive vibration machines in physiotherapy and sports has increased rapidly. Numerous manufacturers claim they can enhance physical performance. However, there is minimal peer-reviewed research on their efficacy. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of percussion massage (PM) on muscular performance, particularly explosive strength and balance. Moreover, this is the first study to evaluate the potential PM impact on balance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

18 young male participants aged 20.89 ± 3.43 years with a BMI of 25.08 ± 3.95 completed three measurements with two interventions - PM by Theragun device (TG), activation massage (AM), and assessment without activation (WA). The targeted area was m. triceps surae, hamstrings, and m. quadriceps femoris of the dominant leg. Single-leg squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and Y-balance tests (YBT) were performed. One-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA was utilized to analyze the data. The level significance threshold was set to p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference was reported between TG, AM, and WA in the height of the squat jump and countermovement jump (p > 0.05). Furthermore, no significant changes were recorded in the YBT performance score (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

No improvement was reported in the monitored physical parameters when the PM by Theragun or manual AM was applied for 90 s right before the muscular performance. Therefore, we do not recommend the short-term stimulative application of PM and AM before athletic performance when lower limb explosive strength or balance improvements are the objective.