Acute Effects of Percussive Massage Intensity on Change-of-Direction Performance, Vertical Jump Kinetics, and Neuromuscular Performance Across Morning and Evening Sessions in Trained Male Football Players
Medicina (Lithuania), cilt.62, sa.3, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 62 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.3390/medicina62030439
- Dergi Adı: Medicina (Lithuania)
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Anahtar Kelimeler: circadian rhythm, dose–response, explosive power, football, massage gun, percussive massage, vibration therapy, warm-up
- İnönü Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background and Objectives: Percussive massage devices (PMDs) are increasingly used as warm-up tools to enhance neuromuscular performance; however, evidence regarding the optimal intensity and its interaction with circadian variation remains limited. This study examined the acute effects of two percussive massage intensities (low: 28 Hz; moderate: 35 Hz) compared with no massage on change-of-direction (COD) performance, vertical jump kinetics, and neuromuscular variables in trained male football players across morning and evening sessions. Materials and Methods: Eighteen trained male football players completed a randomized, counterbalanced crossover design involving three protocols (no massage, 28 Hz, and 35 Hz) performed in both morning (09:00–11:00) and evening (17:00–19:00) sessions following a standardized warm-up protocol. COD performance (T-Test and Illinois COD Test), countermovement jump height, and model-derived kinetic variables were assessed. Results: Significant main effects of the protocol were observed for T-test performance, jump height, velocity-related variables, and kinetic outcomes (p < 0.001; large effect sizes), with both percussive massage intensities outperforming the no-massage condition. Significant protocol × time-of-day interactions emerged for jump height, force, and impulse-related variables (p < 0.05), indicating greater morning-specific benefits following moderate-intensity (35 Hz) massage. The Illinois COD Test showed no significant protocol-related changes. Conclusions: Acute percussive massage enhances COD performance and vertical jump-related outcomes in trained football players. While both intensities are effective for general performance enhancement, moderate-intensity massage (35 Hz) appears to be more effective for optimizing force–time characteristics and attenuating morning-related performance decrements. These findings support the inclusion of intensity- and time-specific percussive massage strategies in warm-up routines.