quads

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The massage gun is widely used to alleviate delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS); however, empirical evidence regarding its physiological effects remains limited. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of percussive massage on the quadriceps muscle's cross-sectional area (CSA), strength performance, and pain perception following a fatigue protocol. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted including 37 physically active men. Participants performed a fatigue protocol on a 45° leg press, at 70% of their one-repetition maximum (1RM). The volunteers were allocated to an intervention group (G0 n = 19, mean ± SD; 25.7 ± 4.5 years, 83.7 ± 10.6 kg, 176.8 ± 6.3 cm) and control group (G1 n = 18, mean ± SD; 27.6 ± 5.0 years, 76.8 ± 15.7 kg, 174 ± 7.3 cm). Assessments were performed at baseline, 24 and 48 h, using ultrasound imaging, isometric dynamometer and VAS questionnaire (visual analog pain scale). RESULTS: Regarding the muscle area, significant increases were observed in the control group p < 0,05 for the rectus femoris at both measurement points compared with the baseline, which suggests that percussive massage may mitigate exercise-induced edema. While no statistically significant differences were observed between groups or across time points for muscle strength, G0 demonstrated a large effect size (d > 2.0) in strength maintenance at 24 and 48 h compared to G1. Both groups showed reduction in pain over time, while G0 demonstrated a significant decrease at 48 h compared to 24 h (53%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Within-group assessments revealed significant reductions in pain perception over time for the intervention group. Regarding muscle strength, despite a large exploratory effect size observed during recovery, no statistically significant between-group superiority over passive rest was established. The findings suggest potential preliminary benefits for symptom relief without acute performance deficits.

matched text: “quadriceps”

<h4>Background</h4>About 1 in 3 individuals will sustain a secondary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury within 24 months of returning to sport after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). While aberrant biomechanics and poor quadriceps strength have been associated with secondary ACL injury risk, unresolved injury-related fear has also been identified as a potential risk factor for additional ACL injuries in previously high-functioning, physically active populations. Virtual reality mindfulness meditation (VRMM) is a psychological intervention that may reduce injury-related fear and improve an individual's ability to stay in the present moment during stressful situations such as sport. There is a critical need to identify whether VRMM is a feasible intervention that could be implemented to address injury-related fear and reduce secondary ACL injury risk.<h4>Objective</h4>This study aims to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a VRMM intervention with neuromuscular training rehabilitation (NTR) to reduce injury-related fear and improve jump-landing biomechanics in females with a history of ACLR, when compared to a sham virtual reality (VR) intervention+NTR.<h4>Methods</h4>A double-blinded, 2-arm feasibility trial of 48 participants (24 per group) comparing VRMM+NTR and VR sham+NTR will be conducted. Recruitment, retention, adherence, and acceptability outcomes will be collected throughout the trial. Injury-related fear will be measured using the 11-Item Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. Jump-landing biomechanics will be assessed via peak knee abduction moment and peak knee flexion excursion. The change in outcomes will be compared between groups using 2×2 repeated measures ANOVA and partial η2 effect sizes. Significance will be set at P<.05.<h4>Results</h4>The study was funded in May 2021. The trial started in September 2023 and is anticipated to be completed in May 2027, with the first results expected to be submitted for publication in winter 2027. We expect to observe acceptable rates of retention, adherence, and acceptability to the VRMM intervention and more favorable outcomes in the VRMM+NTR group compared to the VR sham+NTR group. As of now, 55 participants have been screened for eligibility, of which 33 were ineligible. Twelve participants have been randomized, and 10 have completed the trial. Two participants withdrew from the trial before the completion of the full intervention protocol due to the study time commitment.<h4>Conclusions</h4>The results of this trial will improve our understanding of the feasibility of VRMM and inform the next steps in behavioral intervention development to test the efficacy of VRMM in reducing injury-related fear in females after ACLR.

matched text: “quadriceps”