Percussive Massage for Muscular Atrophy

Overseen By Ty Hopkins, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Brigham Young University

Must not be taking: Blood pressure, Antidepressants

Disqualifiers: Smoking, Pregnancy, Cardiovascular, Metabolic, Cognitive, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 21

36 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether percussive massage, a type of mechanical stimulation therapy, can maintain muscle strength and health when a leg is immobilized for 10 days, such as when wearing a cast. The study tests if this massage can reduce muscle loss and maintain blood flow and energy production. Participants are divided into two groups: one receives the massage, while the other rests without it. Individuals with stable physical activity levels for at least six months and no recent leg injuries may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding innovative therapies for muscle health.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, if you are taking prescribed medications or anti-depressants, you will not be eligible to participate in this trial.

What prior data suggests that percussive massage is safe for preserving muscle function during immobilization?

Research has shown that percussive massage can help relieve muscle tightness and pain at home. This type of massage uses quick, repeated movements to apply pressure to the muscles. Many people find it useful for reducing stiffness and aiding muscle recovery.

However, some issues have been reported. For instance, one case linked percussive massage to rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition where muscles break down. This suggests that while percussive massage is generally safe, it might carry risks, especially if used incorrectly or too intensely. Another study found that using a massage gun at very high speeds was not only uncomfortable but could also be harmful.

Overall, when used carefully, percussive massage is usually well-tolerated. It's important to follow guidelines and avoid overuse, as excessive force or speed might cause harm. Always consider consulting a healthcare provider if unsure. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using percussive massage for treating muscular atrophy because it offers a non-invasive, mechanical approach to muscle stimulation. Unlike typical treatments that might rely on physical therapy or medication, percussive massage directly targets muscle tissue with rhythmic pulses, potentially helping to maintain muscle mass even when the limb is immobilized. This method could provide a quicker and more direct way to combat muscle wasting, especially during periods when traditional exercise isn't feasible.

What evidence suggests that percussive massage is effective for muscular atrophy?

Research shows that percussive massage, such as using massage guns, can enhance muscle strength and flexibility. Studies have found that the quick movements of these devices may reduce muscle tightness and improve blood flow. This therapy has been linked to immediate increases in muscle strength and the ability to exert force quickly. Some evidence also suggests that percussive massage might aid in pain relief and muscle recovery. In this trial, participants in the experimental arm will receive percussive massage therapy, which may be a promising method for preventing muscle wasting during periods of limited mobility. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Robert Hyldahl, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Brigham Young University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 18-50, who have been physically active without changes for the past 6 months and haven't had a leg injury that affects knee extension. It's not for those who regularly use massage therapy on their thigh, are pregnant or trying to be, smoke, have heart/metabolic/cognitive diseases, or take certain medications like blood pressure drugs.

Inclusion Criteria

I have no leg injuries that stop me from doing leg straightening exercises.

Stable levels of physical activity for at least 6 months

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnant or planning to become pregnant within next month

I have a heart, metabolic, or cognitive condition like Alzheimer's.

You smoke cigarettes or marijuana.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Pre-measures

Pre-measures including MRI scan, blood flow and vascular function measurement, muscle biopsy, and muscle strength and endurance measurement

2 days

2 visits (in-person)

Immobilization

Participants undergo 10 days of unilateral limb immobilization with percussive massage or control treatment

10 days

18 visits (in-person)

Post-measures

Post-measures including MRI scan, vascular function measurement, biopsy, and muscle strength and endurance tests

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Leg Immobilization
• Percussive Massage

Trial Overview The study tests if percussive massage (a type of deep-tissue massage) twice daily can help maintain muscle size, strength, endurance, blood flow and mitochondrial function in one leg while it's immobilized for ten days. Participants' muscle health will be compared with a control group not receiving the massages.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Massage Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Subjects will receive a daily 30 minute percussive massage treatment on the knee extensor muscles twice per day during the 10 day immobilization period

Group II: Control Placebo Group 1 Intervention

This group will lie on the bed for a total of 30 minutes, but receive no massage

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Brigham Young University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

23

Recruited

10,200+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Percussive massage therapy (PMT) significantly improved balance and physical performance in young adults, showing better results than static stretching (SS) in all measured parameters.

Dynamic stretching (DS) also led to significant improvements, but PMT was found to be a more effective alternative for enhancing performance and balance before exercise.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of percussion massage therapy, dynamic stretching, and static stretching on physical performance and balance. Menek, MY., Menek, B.[2023]

A case report describes a young woman developing severe rhabdomyolysis after using a percussion massage gun, highlighting the potential risks associated with their use, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions like iron deficiency anemia.

The patient required aggressive treatment and recovered well, but this case emphasizes the need for caution and further research on the safety and efficacy of percussion massage guns in both athletes and nonathletes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Rhabdomyolysis After the Use of Percussion Massage Gun: A Case Report. Chen, J., Zhang, F., Chen, H., et al.[2023]

A study involving 65 active young adults found that using a massage gun for 5 minutes after intense lower body exercise did not significantly improve physical recovery measures like strength or range of motion.

Interestingly, participants reported a small increase in perceived muscle soreness after using the massage gun, suggesting that it may not be beneficial immediately post-exercise and caution is advised when using these devices in recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Under the Gun: The effect of percussive massage therapy on physical and perceptual recovery in active adults. Leabeater, AJ., Clarke, AC., James, L., et al.[2023]

Percussive therapy (PT) using massage guns can lead to immediate improvements in muscle strength, explosive muscle strength, and flexibility, based on a systematic review of 13 studies.

Multiple applications of PT can significantly reduce musculoskeletal pain, suggesting that massage guns may be a practical and cost-effective option for enhancing recovery and performance in strength training.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effect Of Percussive Therapy On Musculoskeletal Performance And Experiences Of Pain: A Systematic Literature Review. Sams, L., Langdown, BL., Simons, J., et al.[2023]

A systematic review of 60 studies on massage therapy in children found that while many studies did not report adverse events (AEs), 26.6% reported at least one AE, ranging from mild to severe.

Notably, there was a concerning association between abdominal massage and severe AEs, including volvulus in premature infants, which raises safety concerns and suggests caution in using abdominal massage for this vulnerable population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse events associated with paediatric massage therapy: a systematic review. Karkhaneh, M., Zorzela, L., Jou, H., et al.[2022]

A 5-minute handheld percussive massage treatment significantly increased the range of motion (ROM) in the calf muscles by 5.4° (+18.4%) in a study of 16 healthy male volunteers, indicating its effectiveness for improving flexibility.

However, the treatment did not affect maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) torque of the plantar flexor muscles, suggesting that while it can enhance flexibility, it does not improve muscle strength.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Acute Effects of a Percussive Massage Treatment with a Hypervolt Device on Plantar Flexor Muscles' Range of Motion and Performance. Konrad, A., Glashüttner, C., Reiner, MM., et al.[2021]

In a study of 25 patients with atonic-astatic infantile cerebral paralysis, those who received eight 20-day courses of toning massage and special exercises showed significant improvements in their static and dynamic functions.

In contrast, the control group of 10 patients who did not receive the treatment showed no notable changes in locomotor function, highlighting the efficacy of the intervention.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[The role of therapeutic physical training and massage in the restoration of static and dynamic functions in the children presenting with the atonic-astatic form of infantile cerebral paralysis]. Paramonova, DB., Mugerman, BI.[2016]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10532323/

The Effects of Massage Guns on Performance and Recovery These devices use percussive therapy, achieved by the rapid tip movement, to deliver bursts of pressure/vibration/massage to the myofascial ...

2. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2813-0413/3/2/15

Massage It Out: Physiological Responses to a Percussive ... This study provides evidence that low-frequency long-duration percussive therapy used intra-resistance exercise decreases performance parameters.

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024156502

The effect of percussion and manual activation massage ... This study aimed to investigate the effect of percussion massage (PM) on muscular performance, particularly explosive strength and balance.

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-muscular-atrophy-2-2023-c63d1

Percussive Massage for Muscular Atrophy Percussive therapy (PT) using massage guns can lead to immediate improvements in muscle strength, explosive muscle strength, and flexibility, based on a ...

5. midstatemedical.org midstatemedical.org/about/news-press/news-detail?articleId=52340&publicid=395

Do Massage Guns Really Work? Percussive therapy can also help with pain relief. The percussive movement of massage guns also reduces muscle tension and promotes the ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10896482/

Consumer Perceptions of Home-Based Percussive ... Percussive massage therapy can serve as an adequate home-based musculoskeletal pain intervention for the everyday user. In reducing stiffness, ...

7. drgraeme.com drgraeme.com/articles/2025/01/evidence-based-percussion-massage-usage

The guide to evidence based percussion massage ... Driving a massage gun head 16 mm forty times a second (40 Hz was used) is not tolerable and potentially damaging. Therefore the researchers ...