Effectiveness of percussive massage on quadriceps fatigue, soreness, knee torque and jump height in active adults: a randomized crossover trial
In brief
Percussive massage cuts quadriceps fatigue scores by about 2.5 points
In 50 active adults, a five-minute percussive massage after a fatiguing knee-extension protocol lowered perceived muscle fatigue by 2.5 points and soreness by 2.2 points, while boosting isometric knee torque by roughly 17 Nm/kg and jump height by 0.9 cm. The gains are modest but statistically significant, suggesting a useful recovery tool, though larger studies are needed to confirm real-world performance benefits.
- Journal
- Complementary therapies in clinical practice (Q1)
- Published
- 13 August 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Raphael Oliveira Caetano, Bruno Soares Alves, Fernanda de Oliveira Lauria, Isabela Vergara Marques, Ana Carolina Nicolau Gomes, Túlio Medina Dutra de Oliveira, et al.
- PMID
- 42600311
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.ctcp.2026.102080
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (paper of the day, 16 August 2026): Percussive massage reduces muscle fatigue and soreness
Abstract
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.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.