The Acute Effects of Theragun™ Percussive Therapy on Viscoelastic Tissue Dynamics and Hamstring Group Range of Motion

Handheld percussive therapy (PT) massage guns have seen a rapid rise in use and with-it increased attention within injury prevention sport performance settings. Early studies proposed beneficial effects upon range of motion (ROM), however the mechanism behind these increases remains unreported. This study aimed to determine influence minimal frequency PT dose ROM myotonometry outcomes. Twenty participants (N = 20; 13 males 7 females, height 1.78cm ± 9.62; weight 77.35kg 8.46) were allocated either group receiving 2 x 60-seconds (plus 30-seconds rest) via Theragun™ Pro4 hamstrings covering standardised 20 lengths from proximal distal standard ball attachment at 1 bar pressure or control (CON) 2-minutes passive supine rest. Pre post intervention outcomes measured for straight leg raise (PSLR) tissue dynamics MyotonPro (Tone, Stiffness, Elasticity, Relaxation Time). Results showed significant within-group (p < 0.0001, ηp2 0.656, +11.4%) following between difference against CON (P 0.026). Significant differences stiffness 0.016, 0.144, -6%), tone 0.003, 0.213, +2%) relaxation time 0.002, 0.232, +6.3%) also reported PT. No was elasticity > 0.05) any other can provide an acute increase hamstring resultant decrease stiffness.