Comparison of the impacts of percussion massage therapy, dynamic stretching, and kinesiology taping techniques on functional performance, muscular strength, and proprioception in the shoulder.

Background: Percussion massage therapy (PMT) integrates traditional massage with vibration therapy.

Objective: This study compared the effects of percussion massage therapy (PMT), kinesiology tape (KT), and dynamic stretching (DS) on shoulder strength, proprioception, and functionality.

Methods: The KT group had kinesiology tape applied to the deltoid muscles. The DS group performed dynamic stretching in flexion and abduction. The PMT group received percussion massage on the deltoid muscles. Assessments included the Becure system for joint position sense (JPS), the Timed Functional Arm and Shoulder Test (TFAST), and a hand-held dynamometer for muscle strength.

Results: Significant improvements were observed in almost all JPS parameters for all groups (p < 0.05). Total TFAST scores improved in all groups. Muscle strength significantly improved in the DS group (p < 0.05), while PMT and KT groups showed no significant change (p > 0.05). Statistically significant differences were found between the groups (p < 0.05). JPS 30°, 60°, and 90° flexion parameters had effect sizes of 0.51, 0.64, and 0.49, respectively; JPS 30°, 60°, and 90° abduction parameters had effect sizes of 0.38, 0.46, and 0.45, respectively. The effect size for Total TFAST was 0.55, flexion muscle strength 0.59, and abduction muscle strength 0.68. DS was more effective for muscle strength, DS and PMT for functionality, and KT and PMT for proprioception (p < 0.017).

Conclusions: PMT and KT were more effective for proprioception, PMT and DS were more effective for functionality, and DS was most efficient in enhancing muscle strength.