A massagem percussiva melhora a intensidade da dor, fadiga e sensação de recuperação após a corrida, mas não tem efeito sobre o desempenho: ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract

Introduction: Running involves repetitive muscle contractions that promote changes in muscle composition. Insufficient recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage impairs performance, affects adherence to the sport, and impacts the athlete's mental health. It is postulated that massage may contribute to muscle recovery. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of percussive massage on pain, fatigue, perceived recovery, and performance after running. Design: Randomized clinical trial with concealed allocation and blinded assessors. Participants: Eighty-four runners after a 6.5 or 7 km run. Intervention: The experimental group received 10 minutes of percussive massage on the quadriceps, while the control group received placebo joint mobilization on the hip and knee. Outcome Measures: Muscle pain and fatigue (Numerical Visual Analog Scale), perceived recovery (Perceived Global Effect Scale), and vertical jump performance (My Jump 2 app) were assessed. Evaluations were performed before and after the intervention and 24, 48, and 72 hours after the intervention. Generalized estimation equation was used to estimate the difference between groups. Results: The experimental group showed better results for pain 0.98 (95% CI -1.63 to -0.34), fatigue 0.7 (95% CI -1.45 to -0.05), perceived recovery 0.54 (95% CI 0.02 to 1.07), and did not obtain satisfactory results for jump performance 0.95 (95% CI -1.57 to 3.47). Conclusion: Percussive massage was effective in reducing muscle pain and fatigue intensity and improving perceived recovery. Trial registration: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC), RBR-10b93fbz