Comparing the effectiveness of percussive therapy against other passive therapeutic modalities in the management of exercise-induced delayed onset muscle soreness

Abstract

Background: While Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is typically subclinical, its potential to cause secondary structural damage, compensatory mechanisms and performance reductions underscores its significance. As percussive therapy (PT) is a novel approach in DOMS management, the literature on its safety and potential benefits remains unclear, which deemed this research relevant. The research question: How does PT using massage guns compare to traditional, passive approaches in the management of exercise-induced DOMS? Are the findings regarding these interventions significant enough to warrant their use in DOMS management when compared to passive controls? PICO elements: Population (P): Population with exercise-induced DOMS; Intervention (I): PT using massage guns; Comparison (C): Therapeutic Massage (TM) and Thermal Agents (TAs); Outcome (O): Reduction in symptoms of DOMS. Search Method: Studies are identified through 5 databases and manual searching, with limiters and inclusion/exclusion criteria applied for refinement. The PRISMA flow diagram guides study selection, resulting in 6 Systematic Reviews (SRs), 5 of which are also Meta-Analyses (MAs). Methods of appraisal used: The CASP Tool (2020) for SRs is used to assess and critically appraise the methodological quality of studies. Main results: TM outperforms TAs in the management of DOMS, with both significantly surpassing passive controls. PT demonstrates conflicting findings but can produce results similar to TM, suggesting it may be more effective than TAs. Conclusion: Findings suggest that PT can positively affect DOMS symptoms similar to TM and more effectively than TAs. However, further research is required to ascertain this assumption due to limitations in the available literature. Implications and recommendations: Further research is needed on high-quality, local studies with larger samples, follow-ups, standardised Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage (EIMD) protocols, and outcome measures. Standardised guidelines, including dose-response relationships, should guide PT application, with patient education on contraindications and adverse events.