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Investigating the effects of percussion massage therapy on pain, functionality, muscle diameter, and proprioception in ındividuals with ACL reconstruction: a randomized controlled trial.

PloS one
May 5, 2025
Beyza Nur Erayata et al. (2 authors)
Journal ArticleRandomized Controlled TrialHuman StudyClinical
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to determine whether adding percussion massage therapy (PMT) to a structured exercise program improves rehabilitation outcomes (e.g., range of motion, pain, functionality) in individuals recovering from ACL reconstruction surgery.

Results Summary

The PMT group showed superior improvements in range of motion, joint position sense, pain, functionality, balance, and quality of life compared to the structured exercise group alone. The study did not report limitations or adverse effects, but the small sample size may affect generalizability.

Population

24 individuals aged 18-40 who underwent surgery after an ACL injury.

Effective Dosage

Not specified (only mentions "PMT" as an adjunct to structured exercise).

Duration

Not specified (only mentions "post-treatment" results).

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (9)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
structured exercise program
increase
all parameters
individuals who underwent surgery after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
-
Significant improvements were observed
#1
Percussion massage therapy (PMT) added to a structured exercise program
increase
all parameters
individuals who underwent surgery after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
-
Significant improvements were observed
#2
Percussion massage therapy (PMT) added to a structured exercise program
increase
ROM
individuals who underwent surgery after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
-
showed superior results compared to the SEG group
#3
Percussion massage therapy (PMT) added to a structured exercise program
increase
JPS (60°)
individuals who underwent surgery after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
-
showed superior results compared to the SEG group
#4
Percussion massage therapy (PMT) added to a structured exercise program
decrease
pain
individuals who underwent surgery after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
-
showed superior results compared to the SEG group
#5
Percussion massage therapy (PMT) added to a structured exercise program
increase
functionality
individuals who underwent surgery after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
-
showed superior results compared to the SEG group
#6
Percussion massage therapy (PMT) added to a structured exercise program
increase
balance
individuals who underwent surgery after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
-
showed superior results compared to the SEG group
#7
Percussion massage therapy (PMT) added to a structured exercise program
increase
quality of life
individuals who underwent surgery after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
-
showed superior results compared to the SEG group
#8
Percussion massage therapy (PMT) added to a structured exercise program
increase
general health perception sub-parameter of SF-36
individuals who underwent surgery after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
-
showed superior results compared to the SEG group
#9
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Percussion massage therapy (PMT) integrates traditional massage with vibration therapy. This study examined the effects of adding PMT to a structured exercise program for individuals who underwent surgery after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. METHODS: A total of 24 individuals aged 18-40 were included in the study. Participants were divided into the PMT and structured exercise groups (SEG). The SEG group received a progressive neuromuscular exercise program, and the PMT group received the same structured exercise program and PMT. Range of motion (ROM) was assessed using the Goniometer Pro smartphone application, joint position sense (JPS) was measured goniometer, pain intensity was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functionality was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), balance was measured with the Berg Balance Scale, quality of life was evaluated using the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and muscle diameter was measured via ultrasonography. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in all parameters in both groups post-treatment (p < 0.05). The PMT group showed superior results compared to the SEG group in ROM, JPS (60°), pain, functionality, balance, and quality of life (particularly in the general health perception sub-parameter of SF-36) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that incorporating PMT, a novel approach in the literature, into the rehabilitation program following ACL reconstruction could be effective. PMT could be an alternative treatment method that can be used in conjunction with exercise programs in ACL rehabilitation. TRIAL REGISTIRATION: NCT06185231.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansMassageAdultAnterior Cruciate Ligament ReconstructionMaleFemaleProprioceptionYoung AdultAdolescentRange of Motion, ArticularAnterior Cruciate Ligament InjuriesExercise TherapyQuality of LifeMuscle, SkeletalPainPain MeasurementPain Management
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy80/10
Quality70/10
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score2.40
Normalized Score0.66
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