Acute Effects of Percussive Massage Intensity on Change-of-Direction Performance, Vertical Jump Kinetics, and Neuromuscular Performance Across Morning and Evening Sessions in Trained Male Football Players

Background and Objectives: Percussive massage devices (PMDs) are increasingly used as warm-up tools to enhance neuromuscular performance; however, evidence regarding the optimal intensity and its interaction with circadian variation remains limited. This study examined the acute effects of two percussive massage intensities (low: 28 Hz; moderate: 35 Hz) compared with no massage on change-of-direction (COD) performance, vertical jump kinetics, and neuromuscular variables in trained male football players across morning and evening sessions. Materials and Methods: Eighteen trained male football players completed a randomized, counterbalanced crossover design involving three protocols (no massage, 28 Hz, and 35 Hz) performed in both morning (09:00–11:00) and evening (17:00–19:00) sessions following a standardized warm-up protocol. COD performance (T-Test and Illinois COD Test), countermovement jump height, and model-derived kinetic variables were assessed. Results: Significant main effects of the protocol were observed for T-test performance, jump height, velocity-related variables, and kinetic outcomes (p < 0.001; large effect sizes), with both percussive massage intensities outperforming the no-massage condition. Significant protocol × time-of-day interactions emerged for jump height, force, and impulse-related variables (p < 0.05), indicating greater morning-specific benefits following moderate-intensity (35 Hz) massage. The Illinois COD Test showed no significant protocol-related changes. Conclusions: Acute percussive massage enhances COD performance and vertical jump-related outcomes in trained football players. While both intensities are effective for general performance enhancement, moderate-intensity massage (35 Hz) appears to be more effective for optimizing force–time characteristics and attenuating morning-related performance decrements. These findings support the inclusion of intensity- and time-specific percussive massage strategies in warm-up routines.