Purpose <p>Percussive massage is used in sports settings to improve flexibility. However, few previous studies have compared the acute effects of percussive massage relative to static stretching. In this study, we aimed to compare these acute effects of these two interventions on dorsiflexion range of motion (DF ROM), stretch tolerance (passive torque at DF ROM), and passive stiffness, and to investigate the mechanisms underlying ROM improvement.</p> Methods <p>Thirty healthy students (19 male and 11 female) participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to perform either 2&#xa0;min of static stretching or percussive massage interventions on separate days. Outcomes were assessed in terms of DF ROM, passive torque at DF ROM, and passive stiffness of the plantar flexor muscles before and after each intervention.</p> Results <p>None of the variables showed significant interactions. In addition, there were main effects of time but not intervention (static stretching or percussive massage). Post-hoc tests revealed a significant increase in DF ROM and passive torque, along with a significant reduction in passive stiffness after both interventions. Moreover, changes in ROM in response to both interventions were significantly correlated with changes in passive torque at dorsiflexion ROM, but not with passive stiffness.</p> Conclusion <p>Our results suggest that the acute effects of percussive massage on ROM, passive torque at DF ROM, and passive stiffness are comparable to those of static stretching. In addition, the findings indicate that changes in ROM following each intervention are associated with changes in stretch tolerance.</p>