Acute Effects of a Percussive Massage Treatment on Movement Velocity during Resistance Training

Abstract

The aim of this research was to verify whether the application of percussion therapy during inter-set rest periods increases the number of repetitions performed before reaching a 30% velocity loss threshold during a bench press exercise. Methods: Twenty-four male university students participated in this study (24.3 ± 1.3 years; 77.5 ± 8.3 kg; 177.0 ± 5.6 cm; 24.7 ± 2.6 kg∙m−2). Participants were randomized into two groups: a percussion therapy group (PTG) and a control group (CG). They performed 4 sets at 70% of a one-repetition maximum before reaching a 30% velocity loss threshold with an inter-set recovery of 3 min. Results: The PTG performed a greater total number of repetitions compared to the CG (44.6 ± 4.8 vs. 39.5 ± 6.8; p = 0.047; ES = 0.867). No differences were observed for the different movement velocity variables and fatigue control (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Percussion therapy is an effective method to delay the loss of movement velocity in the bench press exercise.

Acute Effects of Percussive Massage Treatment on Drop Jump Performance and Achilles Tendon Stiffness

“…Nevertheless, 5 min after PM, the Achilles tendon passive stiffness returned to the baseline value with a concomitant and insignificant decrease in drop jump height. Regarding the influence of mechanical PM on physical fitness, these results are partially consistent with the reports to date [ 7 , 9 ]. A study by Konrad et al [ 9 ] reveals no effect of 5 min mechanical PM on calf muscles on plantar flexor strength.…”

“…A study by Konrad et al [ 9 ] reveals no effect of 5 min mechanical PM on calf muscles on plantar flexor strength. While Garcia-Sillero et al [ 7 ] even showed increased bench press repetitions when the mechanical PM was applied between sets. Moreover, McKechnie et al [ 23 ] showed that the manual tapotement massage, which is a similar technique to PM, of 3 min (of each calf muscle) did not affect the drop jump performed immediately after.…”

“…The most frequently mentioned benefits of using PM include reducing pain and muscle spasms, increasing blood and lymphatic flow, increasing range of motion, and accelerating recovery [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Depending on the purpose, the PM is applied as a part of a warm-up, for instance, to increase the range of motion, or whether inter- and post-activity to accelerate recovery [ 4 , 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

“…For example, Konrad et al [ 9 ] indicated increased dorsiflexion range of motion without impact on a maximum voluntary contraction of plantar flexors after 5 min mechanical PM of calf muscles. Additionally, Garcia-Sillero et al [ 7 ] found that using mechanical PM on the pectoralis major and minor during 3-min rest intervals increased the number of repetitions performed during four sets of bench press at 70% of one repetition maximum with a 30% velocity loss threshold. Interestingly, studies examining the use of pre-exercise whole-body vibration, which is somehow similar to PM, demonstrated acute, short-term athletic improvements via post-activation performance enhancement [ 10 , 11 ].…”

The Acute and Chronic Effects of Implementing Velocity Loss Thresholds During Resistance Training: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Critical Evaluation of the Literature

“…Only three studies [ 64 , 66 , 69 ] provided sufficient information regarding the method of randomization and were therefore at a low risk of an order effect bias. The remaining studies were classified as an unclear risk as they did not provide sufficient information regarding the method of randomization.…”