FasciaNCT02919527
Acute Effects of Foam Rolling on Viscoelastic Tissue Properties and Fascial Sliding
A study testing Self-Myofascial-Release and Stretching in people with Fascia and Self-Myofascial-Release, run by Goethe University at 1 site in Germany.
Trial summary
Treatment or training of fascial tissues has moved into the focus of medical research in the last decade. In this context, the use of foam rollers or roller massagers for self-myofascial-release (SMR) techniques has become increasingly popular in health and fitness professionals. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 40 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Fascia, Self-Myofascial-Release, Passive Stiffness
- What is being tested?
- Self-Myofascial-Release and Stretching
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 16 participants
- Where
- 1 siteGermany
- Study dates
- Sep 2016to Jun 2017
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 40 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age between 20-40 years
Who cannot join
- History of orthopedic injuries in the lower extremity in the last 12 months
- Any history of psychiatric, cardiovascular, endocrine, neurological, or metabolic disorders
- Any current medication that might affect pain perception or proprioception
- Muscle soreness
- Pregnancy/nursing period
- Nonspecific musculoskeletal disorders
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Germany1 site
Department of Sports Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt/Main
Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, 60487
About this study
Official title: Acute Effects of Foam Rolling on Viscoelastic Tissue Properties and Fascial Sliding: A Randomized, Controlled Crossover Trial
Treatment or training of fascial tissues has moved into the focus of medical research in the last decade. In this context, the use of foam rollers or roller massagers for self-myofascial-release (SMR) techniques has become increasingly popular in health and fitness professionals. The primary objective of these techniques is to mimic manual massage or myofascial-release therapy with a self-usable tool. Recent studies suggest that SMR improves, inter alia, range of motion (ROM) without a decrease in neuromuscular performance (Cheatham et al. 2015).
Concurrent effects on the muscle and especially the surrounding connective tissue network have been proposed as underlying mechanisms for these observed changes in ROM after SMR. Several authors assume a positive effect of SMR on sliding properties of different independent fascial layers. Also, changes in passive tissue stiffness is suggested. Passive stiffness is thereby characterized by passive resistance in the tissues' (muscles') functional direction, the passive resistive torque (PRT).
Read more
In conclusion, for many of the proclaimed effects of SMR, such as improvements of sliding of fascial layers or decreases of passive stiffness, there is a lack of evidence in the literature. Therefore, the aim of the study is to evaluate acute effects of SMR on the viscoelastic properties of the muscles on the anterior thigh and the corresponding fascia.
In a cross over design, 16 subjects receive all of the following interventions after a familiarization session: a) 2x60 seconds of SMR at the anterior thigh, b) 2x60 seconds of static stretching at the anterior thigh, c) no intervention in a balanced permutated randomization sequence. Before and directly after each intervention, outcome parameters are collected.
Passive Resistive Torque is evaluated using a computerized isokinetic dynamometer. In passive mode, the lower leg is moved from full knee extension (0°) to the point of maximal knee flexion with a velocity of 5°/s. Torque and angle are recorded at 100 Hertz (Hz). Sliding of fascial layers is quantified with a frame-by-frame cross correlation algorithm of high-resolution ultrasound images (Dilley et al. 2001).
First stretch sensation is quantified using the passive mode in the isokinetic dynamometer.
Maximal ROM is detected using a an ultrasonographic movement analysis system in a prone position.
- Conditions
- Fascia, Self-Myofascial-Release, Passive Stiffness, Fascial Sliding, Flexibility
- Being tested
- Self-Myofascial-Release, Stretching
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Self-Myofascial-ReleaseOther
Self-Myofascial-Release performed at the anterior thigh
StretchingOther
Static Stretching performed at the anterior thigh
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Myofascial-Release | Experimental | Two 60 seconds bouts of Self-Myofascial-Release performed at the anterior thigh; anticipated intensity of 7/10 on a 10 point numeric rating scale (0 representing no discomfort and 10 representing maximal discomfort) Receives: Other: Self-Myofascial-Release |
| Stretching | Active comparator | Two 60 seconds bouts of static stretching performed at the anterior thigh; anticipated intensity of 7/10 on a 10 point numeric rating scale (0 representing no discomfort and 10 representing maximal discomfort) Receives: Other: Stretching |
| Control | No intervention | No Intervention |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Passive-Resistive-Torque, Biodex System 3 Professional
In passive mode, the lower leg is moved from full knee extension (0°) to the point of maximal knee flexion with a velocity of 5°/s. Torque and angle are recorded at 100 Hz, and passive stiffness can be calculated from the torque-angle relationship.
Measured: 1 minute
Fascial-Sliding, Siemens Acuson X300, Cross correlation
Sliding of fascial layers is quantified with a frame-by-frame cross correlation algorithm of high-resolution ultrasound images. The cross-correlation method calculates the correlation coefficient between the pixel grey levels for selected rectangle-shaped regions of interest (ROIs) in two adjacent images. The pixel shift that gives the maximum correlation coefficient corresponds to the relative movement between two frames.
Measured: 1 minute
Secondary outcomes (2)
Maximal Range of Motion, Zebris CMS20
A triplet of ultrasonographic markers is placed on the lower leg, a second triplet is placed as a reference on the thigh. Participants are placed on a physio table including a pre-stretch of the hip (210° in total) using a bed wedge (30°). In this position, participants are instructed to perform three consecutive active knee flexion-extension cycles at a self-selected velocity. Subsequently, the investigator performs three passive knee flexion-extension cycles. Movements are recorded in three dimensions at 20 Hz, and maximal active as well as passive ROM can be calculated as the maximal displacement relative to the starting position recorded by the US markers.
Measured: 1 minute
First stretch sensation, Biodex System 3 Professional
Position of the first stretch sensation is quantified using the isokinetic dynamometer in the above-described position. In passive mode, the knee is flexed from full extension to flexion at 5°/s. The subject uses a switch to stop the passive movement at the position of first stretch sensation.
Measured: 1 minute
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Sep 2016 (estimated)
- Study startSep 2016
- Primary completionJun 2017
- Study completionJun 2017
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for FasciaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 16 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Goethe University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Prof. Dr. Dr. Winfried Banzer, Goethe University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02919527
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SpM2016-005
- Status last verified
- Nov 2017
- First submitted
- 27 Sep 2016
- Last updated
- 30 Nov 2017
- Results posted
- No
Publications
Cheatham SW, Kolber MJ, Cain M, Lee M. THE EFFECTS OF SELF-MYOFASCIAL RELEASE USING A FOAM ROLL OR ROLLER MASSAGER ON JOINT RANGE OF MOTION, MUSCLE RECOVERY, AND PERFORMANCE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2015 Nov;10(6):827-38.
PubMed 26618062Dilley A, Greening J, Lynn B, Leary R, Morris V. The use of cross-correlation analysis between high-frequency ultrasound images to measure longitudinal median nerve movement. Ultrasound Med Biol. 2001 Sep;27(9):1211-8. doi: 10.1016/s0301-5629(01)00413-6.
PubMed 11597362Krause F, Wilke J, Niederer D, Vogt L, Banzer W. Acute effects of foam rolling on passive tissue stiffness and fascial sliding: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2017 Mar 9;18(1):114. doi: 10.1186/s13063-017-1866-y.
PubMed 28274273
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Nov 2017. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Acute Effects of Foam Rolling on Viscoelastic Tissue Properties and Fascial Sliding: A Randomized, Controlled Crossover Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02919527
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- SpM2016-005
- Conditions
- Fascia, Self-Myofascial-Release, Passive Stiffness, Fascial Sliding, Flexibility
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 16 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Goethe UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Sep 2016
- Primary completion
- Jun 2017 (actual)
- Study completion
- Jun 2017 (actual)
- First posted
- 29 Sep 2016 (estimated)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Treatment or training of fascial tissues has moved into the focus of medical research in the last decade. In this context, the use of foam rollers or roller massagers for self-myofascial-release (SMR) techniques has become increasingly popular in health and fitness professionals. The primary objective of these techniques is to mimic manual massage or myofascial-release therapy with a self-usable tool. Recent studies suggest that SMR improves, inter alia, range of motion (ROM) without a decrease in neuromuscular performance (Cheatham et al. 2015).
Concurrent effects on the muscle and especially the surrounding connective tissue network have been proposed as underlying mechanisms for these observed changes in ROM after SMR. Several authors assume a positive effect of SMR on sliding properties of different independent fascial layers. Also, changes in passive tissue stiffness is suggested. Passive stiffness is thereby characterized by passive resistance in the tissues' (muscles') functional direction, the passive resistive torque (PRT).
In conclusion, for many of the proclaimed effects of SMR, such as improvements of sliding of fascial layers or decreases of passive stiffness, there is a lack of evidence in the literature. Therefore, the aim of the study is to evaluate acute effects of SMR on the viscoelastic properties of the muscles on the anterior thigh and the corresponding fascia.
In a cross over design, 16 subjects receive all of the following interventions after a familiarization session: a) 2x60 seconds of SMR at the anterior thigh, b) 2x60 seconds of static stretching at the anterior thigh, c) no intervention in a balanced permutated randomization sequence. Before and directly after each intervention, outcome parameters are collected.
Passive Resistive Torque is evaluated using a computerized isokinetic dynamometer. In passive mode, the lower leg is moved from full knee extension (0°) to the point of maximal knee flexion with a velocity of 5°/s. Torque and angle are recorded at 100 Hertz (Hz). Sliding of fascial layers is quantified with a frame-by-frame cross correlation algorithm of high-resolution ultrasound images (Dilley et al. 2001).
First stretch sensation is quantified using the passive mode in the isokinetic dynamometer.
Maximal ROM is detected using a an ultrasonographic movement analysis system in a prone position.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Myofascial-Release | Experimental | Other: Self-Myofascial-ReleaseTwo 60 seconds bouts of Self-Myofascial-Release performed at the anterior thigh; anticipated intensity of 7/10 on a 10 point numeric rating scale (0 representing no discomfort and 10 representing maximal discomfort) |
| Stretching | Active comparator | Other: StretchingTwo 60 seconds bouts of static stretching performed at the anterior thigh; anticipated intensity of 7/10 on a 10 point numeric rating scale (0 representing no discomfort and 10 representing maximal discomfort) |
| Control | No intervention | –No Intervention |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Age between 20-40 years
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- History of orthopedic injuries in the lower extremity in the last 12 months
- Any history of psychiatric, cardiovascular, endocrine, neurological, or metabolic disorders
- Any current medication that might affect pain perception or proprioception
- Muscle soreness
- Pregnancy/nursing period
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Myofascial-ReleaseSelf-Myofascial-Release performed at the anterior thigh | Other | Self-Myofascial-Release |
| StretchingStatic Stretching performed at the anterior thigh | Other | Stretching |
Primary outcome
Passive-Resistive-Torque, Biodex System 3 Professional
Time frame: 1 minute
In passive mode, the lower leg is moved from full knee extension (0°) to the point of maximal knee flexion with a velocity of 5°/s. Torque and angle are recorded at 100 Hz, and passive stiffness can be calculated from the torque-angle relationship.
Fascial-Sliding, Siemens Acuson X300, Cross correlation
Time frame: 1 minute
Sliding of fascial layers is quantified with a frame-by-frame cross correlation algorithm of high-resolution ultrasound images. The cross-correlation method calculates the correlation coefficient between the pixel grey levels for selected rectangle-shaped regions of interest (ROIs) in two adjacent images. The pixel shift that gives the maximum correlation coefficient corresponds to the relative movement between two frames.
2 secondary outcomes
Maximal Range of Motion, Zebris CMS20
Time frame: 1 minute
First stretch sensation, Biodex System 3 Professional
Time frame: 1 minute
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Nov 2017.
- Background: PubMed 26618062Cheatham SW, Kolber MJ, Cain M, Lee M. THE EFFECTS OF SELF-MYOFASCIAL RELEASE USING A FOAM ROLL OR ROLLER MASSAGER ON JOINT RANGE OF MOTION, MUSCLE RECOVERY, AND PERFORMANCE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2015 Nov;10(6):827-38.
- Background: PubMed 11597362Dilley A, Greening J, Lynn B, Leary R, Morris V. The use of cross-correlation analysis between high-frequency ultrasound images to measure longitudinal median nerve movement. Ultrasound Med Biol. 2001 Sep;27(9):1211-8. doi: 10.1016/s0301-5629(01)00413-6.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 28274273Krause F, Wilke J, Niederer D, Vogt L, Banzer W. Acute effects of foam rolling on passive tissue stiffness and fascial sliding: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2017 Mar 9;18(1):114. doi: 10.1186/s13063-017-1866-y.
Related trials for Fascia
Enrolling by invitation
The Influence of Hydration on the Viscoelastic Properties of Soft Tissues, Pain and Mobility of Patients
Low Back Pain (LBP), Fascial Manipulation
Not yet recruiting
PQLB vs TFPB in HALDN
Analgesia, Donor Nephrectomy
Recruiting
Intrathecal Morphine and Transversalis Fascia Plane Block for Analgesia After Open Inguinal Hernia Repair
Pain, Postoperative, Inguinal Hernia Unilateral
Not yet recruiting
FICB for Hip Fracture Pain in Elderly
Hip Fractures (i.e. Femoral Neck or Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures), Postoperative Pain
Not yet recruitingPhase 4
Fascia Iliaca Block Using Liposomal Bupivacaine for Analgesia After Hip Surgery
Fascia Iliaca Block, Liposomal Bupivacaine
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Self-Myofascial-Release and Stretching in people with Fascia and Self-Myofascial-Release, run by Goethe University at 1 site in Germany.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Nov 2017. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Germany. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Passive-Resistive-Torque, Biodex System 3 Professional (time frame: 1 minute). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02919527, which also lists 3 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Nov 2017; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.