Effectiveness of percussive massage on quadriceps fatigue, soreness, knee torque and jump height in active adults: a randomized crossover trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Percussive massage has gained popularity as a recovery strategy, but its effectiveness remains unclear. This study investigated its effects on muscle fatigue and pain intensity, isometric knee extensor torque, and vertical jump height in physically active adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, assessor‐blinded, two‐condition, two‐period crossover clinical trial was conducted in physically active adults. Participants completed a knee‐extensor fatigue protocol consisting of four sets performed to concentric failure at their previously determined 10‐repetition maximum load. Following the protocol, participants received either percussive massage or passive recovery according to their randomized intervention sequence. Outcomes included muscle fatigue intensity, quadriceps muscle pain intensity during squats, isometric knee extensor torque, and vertical jump height. Intervention effects were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: Fifty participants completed the study. Mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) showed significantly lower muscle fatigue intensity (MD 2.58; 95% CI 2.19‐2.96) and muscle pain intensity (MD 2.22; 95% CI 1.77‐2.67), and significantly higher isometric knee extensor torque (MD 17.2 Nm/kg; 95% CI 11.1‐23.4) and vertical jump height (MD 0.86 cm; 95% CI 0.36‐1.35) with percussive massage compared with passive recovery. CONCLUSION: A 5‐min percussive massage applied to the quadriceps was more effective than passive recovery in reducing perceived muscle fatigue and soreness, with modest but statistically significant improvements in knee extensor torque and vertical jump height following a fatigue‐inducing protocol.