The effect of percussive therapy following acute exercise on fatigue in athletes

Objective: The aim is to investigate the effects of percussive therapy and manual massage on fatigue levels after applying an eccentric exercise protocol to athletes. In this study, electromyographic (EMG) measurements were first taken from all participants in a resting state, and then repeated after eccentric exercise and manual massage applications in the MG group, and after eccentric exercise and percussive therapy applications in the PG group. Our hypothesis is that fatigue levels will be lower in the manual massage group and percussive therapy group compared to the control group. Method: 12 triathlon athletes (Control: 4, Manual Massage: 4, Percussive: 4) who train regularly 6 days a week participated in our study. EMG measurements of the athletes were taken and muscle frequency and amplitude values were examined. Then, the 6-day Alfredson eccentric exercise protocol was applied to all 3 groups, and post-exercise interventions were made to the experimental groups. After the exercise and practice period was completed, a final EMG measurement was taken and compared with the first measurements. Results: It has been revealed that manual massage application following the Alfredson exercise protocol reduces the degree of perceived pain and muscle tension and increases the joint range of motion. In athletes, percussive therapy application after the Alfredson exercise protocol reduces the degree of perceived pain and increases the vertical jump height along with the joint range of motion. EMG measurement revealed a difference in the average amplitude and frequency of the gastrocnemius muscle in its resting position in the Manual Group compared to the Control Group. Conclusion: As a result, manual massage and percussive therapy are seen as effective methods to eliminate the negative effects that may occur after exercise-related muscle damage such as Alfredson exercise and can be recommended for post-training. Keywords: MG, alfredson exercise, percussive, manual