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

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 percussion massage therapy.

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 percussion massage therapy, a novel approach in the literature, into the rehabilitation program following ACL reconstruction could be effective.

Percussion massage therapy could be an alternative treatment method that can be used in conjunction with exercise programs in ACL rehabilitation.