1. Introduction
chronic diseases, Theragun, Thoracolumbar, thoracolumbar
CHRONIC DISEASES
Percussive massage therapy (PT) has been widely used by therapists and the fitness population to treat myofascial-related conditions. However, there is no evidence to confirm the effects of PT on the fascia. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PT on thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) morphology and other related outcomes. Methods: Sixty-six healthy males participated and were randomly allocated into a percussive massage group (PT group) and a control group. The PT group received 15 min of back percussion massage, while the control group rested prone lying in the same environment for 15 min. Thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) thickness and echo intensity, perceived stiffness, lumbar flexibility, and skin temperature were measured in both groups before and immediately after the intervention. Result: TLF thickness and lumbar flexibility did not change when compared in the two groups. However, the echo intensity (left side, difference −3.36, 95% CI −5.1 to −1.6; right side, difference −4.39, 95% CI −6.1 to −2.7) and perceived stiffness (difference, −1.18, 95% CI −1.84 to −0.52) in the TLF region were significantly lower in the PT group than in the control group and were accompanied by increased skin temperature (difference 0.29, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.48). Conclusion: We suggest that a 15 min PT with 30 Hz on the back region could reduce TLF echo intensity and perceived stiffness and increase skin temperature in healthy men individual.Fascia plays a potential role in developing chronic diseases [Recently, handheld percussive massage therapy (PT) has received increasing attention. Different manufacturers (e.g., Theragun, Hyperice) offer this equipment for self-massage or therapist treatment, which can usually provide up to 53 Hz percussion frequency, 16 mm amplitude, and various massage heads that can be matched to different body parts. Due to its portability and stability, PT is favored by the physical therapist community and sports people [This study aims to investigate the effects of PT on TLF morphology and other related outcomes. We hypothesized that 15 min of PT would reduce participants’ TLF thickness, echo intensity of the ROI (range of interest) on TLF, and perceived stiffness, as well as increase skin temperature and lumbar flexibility.