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Enrolling by invitation NCT07064148

The Effects of Self-Myofascial Release on Physical Fitness and Swing Performance in Male Collegiate Golfers in China

No phase Interventional Range of Motion, Articular Physical Fitness Golf Specific Performance

For patients and families

In plain language

An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.

What is being studied
The protocol lists: Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) Program, Golf-Related Video Viewing (Attention Control).
Who it may be relevant to
Registry conditions: Range of Motion, Articular, Physical Fitness, Golf Specific Performance. Basic parameters: 18 years — 25 years · Male.
What needs checking
Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
Where it takes place
China
Next step
Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →

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Overview

This is a randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the effects of a self-myofascial release (SMR) program on physical fitness and swing performance in male collegiate golfers in China. The primary purpose is to determine whether SMR, using foam rollers and massage balls, can improve joint mobility, core control, balance, and golf-specific swing outcomes. The study seeks to answer the following key questions: Can an 8-week SMR program enhance physical functions such as mobility, balance, and trunk control in male collegiate golfers? Can SMR improve key performance indicators of golf swing, including club head speed, ball speed, carry distance, and accuracy? Participants (n=60) will be healthy male collegiate golfers aged 18-25, randomly assigned to either an experimental group (SMR) or a time-matched control group (no SMR). Both groups will undergo 8 weeks of golf training in a centralized camp with identical accommodations and practice schedules. The SMR group will perform supervised self-myofascial release exercises using Decathlon-brand foam rollers and balls, three times per week (30 min/session) in the gym after regular training. The control group will engage in supervised 30-minute sessions of passive golf-related video watching, scheduled at the same time and environment as the SMR sessions. Assessments will be conducted at Week 0 (baseline), Week 4 (midpoint), and Week 8 (post-intervention). Testing will include range-of-motion (ROM) measurements, balance tasks, strength/stability exercises, and golf swing performance using a TrackMan Launch Monitor. All outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation to minimize bias. The study aims to provide evidence on whether SMR is an effective training strategy to enhance functional movement and sports-specific performance in amateur golfers.

Interventions

  • Behavioral Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) Program
    The intervention involves a structured 6-week Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) program using foam rollers and massage balls. Participants perform standardized SMR exercises targeting major muscle groups relevant to golf performance, including the calves, hamstrings, glutes, back, shoulders, and thoracic spine. The intervention is conducted three times per week, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes. Exercises are demonstrated and monitored by certified instructors. The control group co
  • Behavioral Golf-Related Video Viewing (Attention Control)
    Participants in the control group did not receive any self-myofascial release (SMR) intervention. They followed the same daily training schedule, accommodation, and meals as the SMR group. Instead of engaging in SMR exercises, participants in the control group engaged in supervised viewing of golf-related instructional videos or documentaries three times per week, approximately 30 minutes per session, after 7:00 PM in a designated classroom. This viewing schedule was matched in timing and freque

Primary outcome measures

  • Driver Club Head Speed [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session]
  • Driver Carry Distance [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session]
  • Driver Side Deviation [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session]
  • Driver Shot Proximity to Target [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session]
  • Iron Club Head Speed [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session]
  • Iron Club Carry Distance [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session]
  • Iron Club Side Deviation [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session]
  • Iron Club Shot Proximity to Target [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session]
Secondary outcome measures (12)
  • Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion (Weight-Bearing Lunge Test) [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session]
  • Hip Flexion Range of Motion (Active, 90° Knee Flexion) [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before the intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after the final SMR session]
  • Hip External Rotation Range of Motion (Active, Seated, 90° Hip and Knee Flexion) [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session]
  • Thoracic Spine Rotation Range of Motion (Active, Seated, Pelvis Stabilized) [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session]
  • Shoulder Flexion Range of Motion (Active) [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before the intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after the final SMR session]
  • Shoulder External Rotation Range of Motion (Active, Supine, 90° Abduction) [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session]
  • Wrist Extension Range of Motion (Active, Seated, Neutral Forearm) [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session]
  • Single-Leg Stance Test (Eyes Closed) - Balance Time Measurement [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after the final SMR session]
  • Rotational Medicine Ball Throw Distance (3kg, Standing Side Throw) [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session]
  • Cross-Body Reach Test (High Plank, 30-Second Repetition Count) [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session]
  • One-Repetition Maximum (1RM) Bench Press Test [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session]
  • One-Repetition Maximum (1RM) Back Squat Test [Time frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session]

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

  • Male participants aged 18 to 25 years
  • Collegiate golfers who are right-handed
  • Currently active in university-level golf training (at least twice per week)
  • Free of injuries or conditions that prevent participation in assessments or interventions
  • Willing and able to provide written informed consent
  • Not engaged in any other flexibility training or self-myofascial release (SMR) programs during the study period
  • Exclusion Criteria:
  • History of musculoskeletal injury or surgery within the past six months
  • Diagnosed neurological disorders or balance impairments
  • Current participation in other interventional studies
  • Use of medications affecting neuromuscular function
  • Any condition that prevents completion of golf swing or fitness testing

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: Yes

Study design

Allocation
Randomized
Model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Single blind
Primary purpose
Supportive care

Study locations

China · 1 center
  • Hainan Normal University — Haikou

Identifiers

NCT: NCT07064148 · 2025011

Primary sources (government registries)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗