The Effect Of Percussive Therapy On Musculoskeletal Performance And Experiences Of Pain: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Background There is a lack of specific research on the effect of percussive therapy (PT) delivered by massage guns on physiological adaptations. This systematic literature review investigates research conducted on the effects of PT interventions on performance in strength and conditioning settings, and on experiences of musculoskeletal pain. Purpose To determine the effect of PT delivered by massage guns on physiological adaptations: muscle strength, explosive muscle strength and flexibility, and experiences of musculoskeletal pain. Study Design Systematic literature review. Methods Data sources (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Psychinfo, PubMed, SportDISCUS and OpenGrey) were searched from January 2006 onwards for full text literature in any language involving adult populations receiving PT delivered by massage guns, directly to any muscle belly or tendon, with comparisons to an alternative treatment, placebo or no treatment. Literature with outcomes relating to acute or chronic physiological adaptations in muscle strength, explosive muscle strength, flexibility or experiences of musculoskeletal pain were included. Articles were assessed for quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme and PEDro scores. Results Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies had limitations in methodological quality or reporting of findings but still included contextually-rich details that contributed to the overall narrative synthesis. A significant relationship was found between a single application of PT delivered by massage guns and an acute increase in muscle strength, explosive muscle strength and flexibility, with multiple treatments eliciting a reduction in experiences of musculoskeletal pain. Conclusion PT delivered by massage guns can help improve acute muscle strength, explosive muscle strength and flexibility, and reduce experiences of musculoskeletal pain. These devices may provide a portable and cost-effective alternative to other forms of vibration and interventions.

Consumer Perceptions of Home-Based Percussive Massage Therapy for Musculoskeletal Concerns: Inductive Thematic Qualitative Analysis

“…For athletes, percussive therapy has been found to improve muscle endurance and delay muscle fatigue without compromising muscle performance [ 10 , 28 ]. Some studies have also commented on the capacity of percussive therapy to improve explosive muscle strength, a valuable dynamic for athletes, while other studies claim no significant association in this domain [ 6 , 29 ]. The benefits of percussive therapy can impact everyday users in addition to high-performing athletes.…”

“…A study demonstrated that localized vibrations induced by massage guns at 38 Hz and 47 Hz can increase circulation to the region and therefore aid in the muscle recovery of healthy young athletes [ 52 ]. In the strength and conditioning setting, the use of massage guns allowed for increased muscle strength and explosive muscle performance secondary to delayed fatigue while also reducing musculoskeletal pain perception [ 6 , 10 , 28 , 53 ]. Another study using ultrasound diagnostics found that the use of massage guns on the thoracolumbar fascia resulted in a reduction in echo intensity in that region due to the movement of hyaluronic acid toward the fascial rim and thus improved lubrication and gliding between fascial layers [ 54 ].…”

“…Percussive massage therapy can serve as an adequate home-based musculoskeletal pain intervention for the everyday user. In reducing stiffness, increasing muscle relaxation, and improving muscle tone, percussive therapy encourages the flexibility of muscles and tendons and therefore establishes a better range of motion [6,29,[33][34][35]. Not only that, but also in reducing the tension of muscles and tendons, it additionally works to alleviate perception of pain and thus yield psychosocial benefits [6,29].…”

“…In reducing stiffness, increasing muscle relaxation, and improving muscle tone, percussive therapy encourages the flexibility of muscles and tendons and therefore establishes a better range of motion [6,29,[33][34][35]. Not only that, but also in reducing the tension of muscles and tendons, it additionally works to alleviate perception of pain and thus yield psychosocial benefits [6,29]. The TOLOCO massage gun demonstrated the capacity of percussive massage therapy to be an easily accessible therapeutic modality that is readily available within one's own home.…”

“…Percussive therapy is said to have originated in the mid-20th century by Robert Fulford and involves the delivery of high-velocity and low-amplitude oscillating forces to the body [ 6 ]. It is proposed to be a notable method of myofascial release [ 7 ].…”