Key Takeaway
Percussive massage may help reduce DOMS symptoms following eccentric exercise
Summary
This RCT examined whether percussive massage treatments could reduce symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage, including delayed onset muscle soreness, following eccentric exercise.
Methods
- Randomized controlled trial with between-subjects design
- Percussive massage group (n=9) vs control group (n=8)
- Eccentric exercise protocol to induce muscle damage
- Percussive massage applied at multiple timepoints during recovery
- Measured maximal isometric torque, ROM, and DOMS at 24-72 hours
Key Results
- Percussive massage group showed trends toward improved recovery
- ROM and DOMS measures favored treatment group
- Effects observed across 24-72 hour recovery period
- No adverse effects reported from treatment
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Limitations
- Small sample size (n=17 total)
- Single bout of exercise studied
- Blinding not possible with massage intervention
- Specific to one muscle group and protocol