Impact of Massage Gun on Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) in Soccer Players

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of using massage gun media on RPE (Rated Perceived Exertion) in soccer players. The method used is an experimental approach with a one-group pretest-posttest model design. The research instrument used is RPE. The population of this study consisted of 30 athletes from Persib Bandung Academy who were around sixteen years old and attended intensive training four times a week. Using a purposive sampling approach, 18 athletes were selected as research subjects. To determine the RPE scale, subjects underwent high-intensity training using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test. After the exercise, a 15-minute massage was performed using a massage gun, and then RPE was measured again. The results of data analysis showed that the massage method using a massage gun had a significant impact on reducing RPE, with a value of p=0.000. This indicates that the use of massage guns can significantly reduce the fatigue level of athletes after intensive training. In conclusion, a massage gun effectively reduces fatigue as measured by RPE. Nevertheless, improving the quality of research is still needed by increasing the number of participants and developing a more structured training program both in time and day.