LAUSR

CONTEXT Handheld percussive massage devices (i.e., massage guns) are relatively new and under-researched recovery. These tools are intended to increase range of motion and reduce muscle soreness through delivering targeted vibration to soft tissues. There is a scarcity of empirical knowledge about the potential influence of these devices on perceptual recovery and recovery of performance characteristics after exercise. OBJECTIVE The current study aimed to investigate the effect of a commercially available massage gun on physical and perceptual recovery after a strenuous bout of lower-body exercise. DESIGN Repeated-measure, single-group design that implemented an experimental leg (massage gun recovery - GUN) and a control leg (passive recovery - CON). SETTING Testing occurred in a physiology laboratory. PARTICIPANTS 65 active young adults (34 female, 31 male) participated in this study. INTERVENTION Application of a massage gun for 5 minutes on the calf muscles after strenuous exercise. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Ankle range of motion, calf circumference, isometric strength, calf endurance and perceived muscle soreness measures were collected at baseline, and at various points following lower-body exercise. RESULTS No significant group × time interactions were recorded for any of the performance or perceptual measures (p >0.05). Effect sizes were mostly unclear, with the exception of a small increase in perceived muscle soreness in GUN compared to CON immediately post-recovery (d = -0.35) and four hours post-recovery (d = -0.48). CONCLUSIONS Massage guns appear to have little effect on physical measures when applied for five minutes immediately following strenuous calf exercise. Given the small increase in muscle soreness up to four hours following their use, caution is recommended when using massage guns immediately following strenuous lower-body exercise.