The effect of fascia gun on relaxation of exercise-induced muscle fatigue in athletes: a randomized controlled trial

Background Inadequate recovery from exercise-induced muscle fatigue (EIMF) can negatively impact subsequent athletic performance. Although static stretching is widely used, its effectiveness remains controversial. The fascia gun, an emerging percussive massage tool, has been shown to alleviate pain, but evidence regarding its efficacy in promoting EIMF recovery compared to traditional stretching is limited. This study aims to compare the recovery effects of fascia gun percussive massage, static stretching, and passive recovery on exercise-induced muscle fatigue of the lower limbs in athletes. Methods Thirty male athletes were recruited and randomly assigned to a fascia gun group, a static stretching group, or a blank control group ( n = 10 per group). Lower limb fatigue was induced using squats at 60% of 1RM. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), thigh circumference, and muscle strength of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteus maximus were measured before training, immediately post-fatigue, immediately post-intervention, and at 24 and 48 h post-intervention. Results In the fascia gun group, RPE, thigh circumference, and the strength of all three measured muscles returned to pre-exercise levels at 24 h post-intervention. The stretching group required 48 h for recovery, while the blank control group had not fully recovered even after 48 h. Conclusion Fascia gun percussive massage, by reducing perceived fatigue, alleviating muscle swelling, and accelerating muscle strength recovery, appears to promote recovery from exercise-induced muscle fatigue more effectively than static stretching in this study. It may serve as a practical rehabilitation tool for athletes.