Author(s): GÜLEÇ, M., KARA, M., KARANFIL, Y., Institution: HACETTEPE UNIVERSITY SPORT SCIENCES FACULTY, Country: TURKEY, Abstract-ID: 2533

INTRODUCTION:
Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) significantly impairs muscular function, leading to substantial reductions in force production and athletic performance. While percussive therapy (PT) is widely used for recovery among athletes, its effectiveness in preserving strength versus remains unclear. The primary aim of this study was to examine the effects of PT on isokinetic peak torque recovery in resistance-trained males. Secondarily, the study investigated changes in thigh muscle thickness and pressure pain threshold (PPT).
METHODS:
Ten resistance-trained male participants (22.7 ± 3.2 yr) completed this randomized crossover study with a four-week washout period. Bilateral DOMS was induced via an eccentric isokinetic exercise protocol. In the experimental condition (DOMS+PT), participants received PT (30 Hz, 2 min/muscle) immediately post-exercise and after 24- and 48-hour assessments. The control condition (DOMS-only) received no treatment. The primary outcome was concentric peak torque of both knee extensors and flexors, measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at a constant angular velocity of 60°/s. Secondary outcomes included muscle thickness (ultrasound) and PPT (algometry) assessed at baseline, 24, 48, and 72 hours.
RESULTS:
Knee extension peak torque significantly declined in the DOMS-only group at 24 and 48 hours compared to baseline (p < 0.05), whereas the DOMS+PT group maintained extension strength across all time points. Similarly, knee flexion peak torque showed a significant decrease in the DOMS-only group at 24 hours (p < 0.05), while no such reduction was observed in the DOMS+PT group (p > 0.05). Quadriceps and vastus lateralis muscle thickness increased transiently at 24 h in the PT condition (p < 0.05), while PPT decreased similarly in both groups (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION:
The most significant finding of this study is that percussive therapy effectively preserved muscle strength during the acute phase of DOMS, preventing the performance decrement observed in the control condition. While PT did not alleviate pain sensitivity and was associated with a transient increase in muscle thickness—likely indicative of enhanced local blood flow rather than structural damage—its ability to maintain force production is critical. These results support the use of percussive therapy as a performance-preservation tool for athletes undergoing intensive training, despite its limited effect on perceived soreness.