This randomized crossover study investigates the acute effects of different percussive massage intensities on agility, jumping, strength, and power performance in trained male football players. Participants complete three experimental conditions (no massage, low-intensity percussive massage, and moderate-intensity percussive massage) at two different times of day (morning and evening). Performance outcomes are assessed immediately following each intervention to examine dose-response effects and potential interactions with circadian timing.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
18
Percussive massage therapy was delivered using a handheld device (Hypervolt 2 Pro) applied bilaterally to the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles. The total intervention duration was 5 minutes (2.5 minutes per leg). Two intensity levels were used: low intensity at 28 Hz and moderate intensity at 35 Hz. The device was applied using continuous longitudinal strokes at a controlled speed by a trained investigator immediately after a standardized warm-up.
Participants remained seated at rest for 5 minutes with no massage or device application. This condition served as the passive control to account for baseline performance and circadian variation.
Inonu University/ PNU
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia
Agility Performance
Agility performance assessed using the T-Test T-Test: A cone configuration was set up forming a "T" shape (10 m forward, 5 m to the left, and 5 m to the right). The participants sprinted forward, shuffled laterally to the left and right, and backpedaled to the starting position.
Time frame: Immediately post-intervention (morning and evening sessions)
Countermovement Jump Height
Vertical jump height (cm) measured using the Countermovement Jump test via the My Jump Lab smartphone application. The highest value from three maximal trials was retained for analysis. Time Frame:
Time frame: Immediately post-intervention (morning and evening sessions)
Agility
Illinois Agility Test: Participants started from a prone position (chest on the floor), stood up, and sprinted through a slalom course marked by cones over a 10 m × 5 m area. The timing was recorded to the nearest 0.01 s using electronic timing gates (Brower Timing Systems, Draper, UT, USA). The participants performed two trials for each agility test, and the best performance was retained for statistical analysis.
Time frame: Immediately post-intervention (morning and evening sessions)
Vertical jump performance
Vertical jump performance parameters were assessed using the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test via the My Jump Lab application (v.4.4.2, developed by Dr. Carlos Balsalobre). This smartphone-based application uses high-speed video analysis to calculate jump variables and has been validated against gold-standard force platforms
Time frame: Immediately post-intervention (morning and evening sessions)
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