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The Immediate Effect of Percussive Massage Therapy on Iliotibial Band Tightness in Field Athletes.

Cureus
January 1, 2025
Pallavi R Bhakaney et al. (5 authors)
Journal ArticleHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to examine the immediate effectiveness of percussive massage therapy on pain and range of motion (ROM) in field athletes with iliotibial band tightness.

Results Summary

The study found a significant decrease in post-treatment pain (mean NPRS score dropped from 5.18 to 2.60) and significant improvements in hip abduction and knee flexion ROM. Most participants responded positively, though a few reported no change in pain levels.

Population

Fifty field athletes aged 20-35 years with iliotibial band tightness.

Effective Dosage

Not specified (used Caresmith Massage Gun).

Duration

Immediate effects assessed post-session (single session).

Interactions

None mentioned.

Extracted Claims (5)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
percussive massage therapy
decrease
post-treatment pain
field athletes
mean NPRS score decreasing from 5.18 to 2.60
significant decrease
#1
percussive massage therapy
no change
NPRS scores
a few participants
-
no change
#2
percussive massage therapy
increase
right hip abduction ROM
field athletes
p<0.001
significant group effect
#3
percussive massage therapy
increase
right knee flexion ROM
field athletes
p<0.001
significant group effect
#4
percussion massage therapy
increase
pain and ROM
the majority of the field athletes
-
positive response
#5
Abstract

Background and objective Iliotibial band tightness (ITBT) is a common knee injury that usually presents with pain and tenderness on palpation of the lateral aspect of the knee, superior to the joint line and inferior to the lateral femoral epicondyle. Athletes with ITBT typically complain of a sharp or burning pain roughly 2 cm superior to the lateral joint line. The pain may radiate proximally or distally, and in less severe cases, the pain may quickly subside upon cessation of activities. New approaches such as percussive massage therapy are used to relax the muscle tissue, reduce discomfort, and improve blood flow. It involves the use of handheld percussion devices to apply rapid vibrations and percussions to the skin and underlying soft tissue. This study aimed to examine the immediate effectiveness of percussive massage therapy on the responsiveness of pain and range of motion (ROM) in field athletes. Methodology Fifty athletes between the ages of 20 and 35 years were recruited for the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The immediate effectiveness of percussive massage therapy (Caresmith Massage Gun, Caresmith, Mumbai, India) was assessed based on the pre-treatment and post-treatment pain levels measured on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score and ROM of hip abduction and knee flexion. Results The results indicated a significant decrease in post-treatment pain, with the mean NPRS score decreasing from 5.18 to 2.60 immediately following the session. While the majority of participants experienced a decrease in NPRS scores, a few reported no change. The t-test for the right hip abduction ROM demonstrated a significant group effect (p<0.001). The t-test for the right knee flexion ROM also demonstrated a significant group effect (p<0.001). Conclusions The current study indicates that the majority of the field athletes showed a positive response to percussion massage therapy in terms of pain and ROM.

Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality75/10
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score2.50
Normalized Score0.69
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