rectus femoris

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: “rectus femoris”

Background The effects of velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) in institutionalized older adults remain poorly explored. This protocol aims to describe a study designed to i) analyze the effects of a 9-month VBRT program on skeletal muscle size, muscle function, physical performance, disability, cognitive function and frailty in nursing home residents, ii) compare the impact of different velocity loss (VL) thresholds (10% vs. 20%), and iii) determine the residual effect of the intervention after 6 months exercise cessation. Methods Nursing home residents aged ≥65 years will participate in this experimental study. Participants will complete a 4-week control period followed by a 9-month VBRT program and 6 months of follow-up after exercise cessation. The intervention will consist of VBRT twice a week using the leg press exercise for 9 months. The participants will be randomly assigned to two VL groups: 10% vs. 20% VL, performing n repetitions at 60% of estimated maximal isometric force until reaching their prescribed VL. To minimize training volume differences, the 10% VL group will complete 4 sets, while the 20% VL group will complete 3 sets. Outcomes will include muscle size of rectus femoris and vastus lateralis (ultrasound), muscle function (sit-to-stand muscle power and force-velocity relationship parameters), physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery and walking tests), disability (Barthel and Lawton Indexes), cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination) and frailty (Fried Phenotype and Frailty Trait Scale). The time course of the exercise-induced adaptations will be assessed throughout the study. Discussion We hypothesize that VBRT will exhibit meaningful benefits in muscle size, muscle function, physical performance, disability, cognitive function and frailty among institutionalized older adults, with no significant differences between 10% and 20% VL thresholds. While deconditioning is predictable after 6 months of exercise cessation, the investigated outcomes are expected to remain significantly and positively elevated compared to baseline values. This study will help to identify innovative actions to improve overall health and endorse exercise practice in older adults living in nursing homes. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov , identifier NCT07027397.

matched text: “rectus femoris”