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Not yet recruiting NCT07564206

Foam Roller Compared to Massage on Reducing Calf Muscle Tone in Healthy Subjects

No phase Interventional Muscle Tone Healthy Adult

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: Foam roller, Massage.
Who it may be relevant to
Registry conditions: Muscle Tone, Healthy Adult. Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
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
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
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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Official title

Effect of Foam Roller Compared to Massage on Reducing Calf Muscle Tone in Healthy Subject

Overview

Objective: This study aims to compare the effects of two techniques-foam rolling (FR) and therapeutic massage-on reducing the muscle tone in the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) of healthy individuals. Methods: A randomized, controlled crossover design was used with 40 healthy participants (aged 18-45). Participants were randomly assigned to either a foam roller or a therapeutic massage group. The interventions were applied to the dominant leg, and muscle tone was measured pre- and post-intervention using a MyotonPro device. The primary outcome was muscle tone (Hz), and secondary outcomes included muscle stiffness (N/m) and elasticity (D \[log\]). Results: The study will assess the effectiveness of each intervention on muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity. It aims to determine whether foam rolling is as effective or superior to traditional massage in reducing calf muscle tone. Conclusion: This research will contribute to understanding the efficacy of foam rolling as a self-administered technique for muscle tone reduction and its potential application in clinical and athletic settings

Interventions

  • Other Foam roller
    The foam roller is used for self-myofascial release (SMR) to reduce muscle tightness and improve flexibility. In this study, participants will use the foam roller on their dominant calf muscles, rolling it up and down at a controlled pace (30 rolls per minute). The pressure applied should be moderate, staying within a pain tolerance of 6/10 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The technique is repeated three times, with a one-minute rest between sets. The goal is to enhance muscle relaxation and
  • Other Massage
    The therapeutic massage used in this study involves manual techniques to reduce muscle tone and improve flexibility in the calf muscles. It includes: 1. Deep Gliding Stroke: Sliding from the upper to the lower part of the calf to relax the muscles. 2. Soleus Compression: Applying pressure to the soleus muscle with the hands to release tension. 3. Calf Compression: Applying pressure to specific points on the calf to alleviate stiffness. Each technique lasts for 2 minutes, with a total intervent

Primary outcome measures

  • Muscle tone [Time frame: Pre and post intervention (immediately post foam roller procedure)]
Secondary outcome measures (2)
  • Muscle stiffness [Time frame: Pre intervention and post intervention (immediately after the foam roller procedure)]
  • Muscle elasticity [Time frame: pre and post intervention (immediately after the interventions)]

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

  • Age: Participants aged between 18 and 45 years.
  • Health Status: Healthy individuals with no prior musculoskeletal conditions in the lower limbs.
  • Pain-Free: Participants should not have had pain in the gastrocnemius or Achilles tendon in the last 3 months.
  • Willingness: Participants must provide informed consent and be available for the intervention and necessary evaluations.

Exclusion criteria

  • Musculoskeletal Conditions: Individuals with any pathologies in the calf muscles (gastrocnemius, soleus) or Achilles tendon.
  • Vascular or Neurological Issues: Participants with vascular diseases or neurological disorders that may interfere with the interventions or muscle response.
  • Skin Conditions: Exclusion of participants with skin alterations, infections, or open wounds in the area of intervention.
  • Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant.
  • Sensitivity Issues: Participants with altered sensitivity in the lower limbs or any condition that may affect the response to the techniques.
  • Non-Compliance: Individuals who do not provide informed consent or are not available for the required evaluations.

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
Open label
Primary purpose
Prevention

Study locations

Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.

Publications

  • Perez-Bellmunt A, Labata-Lezaun N, Llurda-Almuzara L, Rodriguez-Sanz J, Gonzalez-Rueda V, Bueno-Gracia E, Celik D, Lopez-de-Celis C. Effects of a Massage Protocol in Tensiomyographic and Myotonometric Proprieties. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 8;18(8):3891. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18083891. PMID 33917668
  • Laffaye G, Da Silva DT, Delafontaine A. Self-Myofascial Release Effect With Foam Rolling on Recovery After High-Intensity Interval Training. Front Physiol. 2019 Oct 16;10:1287. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01287. eCollection 2019. PMID 31681002

Identifiers

NCT: NCT07564206 · CI-2026-338

Primary sources (government registries)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗