Overview
This study aims to evaluate the effects of percussive therapy on muscle flexibility, balance, and jump performance in licensed U19 football players and sedentary healthy males under 19. Percussive therapy will be applied to the hamstring muscles for 120 seconds. Flexibility, balance, and explosive strength will be assessed using the sit-and-reach test, Y-Balance Test, and vertical jump test, respectively. The study also aims to compare the therapy's effects between active and sedentary participants.
Description
This study investigates the effects of 120-second percussive therapy applied to the hamstring muscles on flexibility, balance, and jump performance in two distinct groups: licensed U19 football players and sedentary healthy males under the age of 19. The intervention will be delivered using a handheld massage gun device, and outcomes will be evaluated using the sit-and-reach test (flexibility), the Y-Balance Test (dynamic balance), and the My Jump Lab mobile app (jump performance). Pre- and post-intervention assessments will be compared within each group, and the results will also be analyzed to identify any differences in response between the active and sedentary participants.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria: (Participants must meet all of the following to be eligible.)
- Male individuals aged 15 to 19 years
- Voluntarily agreeing to participate
**For the athlete group:
- Actively licensed U19 football player
**For the sedentary group:
- No regular physical activity for the past 6 months
- Body Mass Index (BMI) under 25 kg/m2
- Physical activity level below 3000 MET-min/week as assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)
Exclusion Criteria: (Participants will be excluded if they meet any of the following.)
- Presence of acute or chronic lower extremity injuries
- History of lower extremity surgery
- Inability to tolerate percussive therapy
- Leg length discrepancy
- Restricted lower extremity joint range of motion due to any condition