Myofascial PainNCT06789120
Acute Effects of Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Football Players
A study testing Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in people with Myofascial Pain, run by Karabuk University at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
For professional footboll players, the balance, jumping, and performance capabilities of the plantar flexor muscle group are crucial on the field. Performance-enhancing interventions for these muscles are essential for improving player performance, preventing injuries, and accelerating the rehabilitation process. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Myofascial Pain
- What is being tested?
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 5 Dec 2023to 10 Mar 2024
- 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 18 to 30 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Healthy professional male football players
Who cannot join
- Having a medical history of chronic disease (cardiopulmonary, neurological, thyroid gland diseases)
- Having acute musculoskeletal system problems
- No disability or surgical intervention in the lower extremity in the last year.
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)2 sites
Karabük University
Karabük, Karabük Province, 78050
Karabük University
Karabük, 78000
About this study
Official title: Acute Effects of Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on the Flexibility, Strength, Vertical Jump, and Dynamic Balance Performances of the Plantar Flexor Muscle in Professional Football Players.
For professional footboll players, the balance, jumping, and performance capabilities of the plantar flexor muscle group are crucial on the field. Performance-enhancing interventions for these muscles are essential for improving player performance, preventing injuries, and accelerating the rehabilitation process. limitations and myofascial problems often occur in these muscles due to overuse and fatigue. Graston technique (GT), one of the instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization techniques (IASTM), is thought to be an effective method in sports rehabilitation by accelerating relaxation and blood flow. However, this situation has not been adequately examined in the literature. Therefore, we think that the results of this study will provide an important perspective to the literature.
Read the detailed description
The plantar flexors (PF) and the ankle joint are of great importance as they play an essential role in generating force on the ground. The ankle PF is the primary structure where energy is stored and released during movement and is the primary source of forward propulsion. This constitutes an important source of power for soccer players. Ankle flexibility is linked to dynamic balance capacity, which influences important elements such as speed, kick accuracy, ball control and agility. Muscle tension, myofascia and reduced range of motion (ROM) are frequently observed in team sports such as soccer, which increases the frequency of muscle injuries. Studies have shown that movement efficiency is reduced when movement is restricted in both the lower and upper limbs. Therefore, preservation and restoration of ROM is important to minimize injuries and improve performance, and myofascial release is often used in this context. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization-Graston Technique (IASTM-GT) entails repetitive mechanical stimulation, including compression and shear stress applied to soft tissues such as muscles, deep fascia and tendons. It facilitates the healing process by creating microtrauma, disrupting collagen connections, increasing blood circulation and promoting cellular regeneration.Numerous studies have extensively investigated the flexibility effect of Graston Technique (GT) on athletes, particularly by improving ROM and accelerating the recovery process in key muscle groups such as the thighs, quadriceps and plantar flexors (PF). However, the evidence is not clear on how GT specifically affects the function of the PF muscle and its implications on the performance and health of football players. The effectiveness of facial mobilization in football players may be important for improving athlete performance and injury prevention. The results of this study may guide healthcare professionals by providing information about the effectiveness of these non-invasive techniques in athlete performance, treatment and rehabilitation process in clinical practice. In this context, the aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of fascial release applied to the PF muscles on ROM, jumping ability and muscle strength.
- Conditions
- Myofascial Pain
- Being tested
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization
- Keywords
- Myofascial release, plantar flexors, Soccer player, Balance
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilizationOther
In the study, the Graston device will be applied to the plantar flexor muscles of the patients. The medial and lateral gastarosoleus muscles and tendon will be applied deeply for 3 minutes, and the soleus muscle will be applied deeply for 90 seconds.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Group | Experimental | In the study, the Graston device will be applied to the plantar flexor muscles of the patients. The medial and lateral gastarosoleus muscles and tendon will be applied deeply for 3 minutes, and the soleus muscle will be applied deeply for 90 seconds. Receives: Other: Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Range of motion
Dorsiflexion Reng Of Motion tests were conducted using a handheld manual goniometer.
Measured: baseline, immediately after the intervention
Muscle strength
The handheld dynamometer (Model: Activ5-M\ Activforce2) was used to measure isometric strength in the Plantar flexors of ankle.
Measured: baseline, immediately after the intervention
Balance
The Y Balance Test (YBT) was employed for evaluating dynamic balance across three reach directions: anterior (ANT), posteromedial (PM), and posterolateral (PL)
Measured: baseline, immediately after the intervention
Jump Performance
My Jump 2, a mobile app designed for vertical jump performance, high-speed video capture
Measured: baseline, immediately after the intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Jan 2025
- Study start5 Dec 2023
- Primary completion10 Mar 2024
- Study completion10 Mar 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (4)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Myofascial PainStudies 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
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Karabuk University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, METEHAN YANA, Karabuk University
- Investigators
- Metehan Yana, PhD, Study chair, Karabuk University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06789120
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Sport health
- Status last verified
- Jan 2025
- First submitted
- 13 Jan 2025
- Last updated
- 23 Jan 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Vardiman JP, Siedlik J, Herda T, Hawkins W, Cooper M, Graham ZA, Deckert J, Gallagher P. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization: effects on the properties of human plantar flexors. Int J Sports Med. 2015 Mar;36(3):197-203. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1384543. Epub 2014 Oct 27.
PubMed 25347141Laudner K, Compton BD, McLoda TA, Walters CM. Acute effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization for improving posterior shoulder range of motion in collegiate baseball players. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2014 Feb;9(1):1-7.
PubMed 24567849Nazary-Moghadam S, Yahya-Zadeh A, Zare MA, Ali Mohammadi M, Marouzi P, Zeinalzadeh A. Comparison of utilizing modified hold-relax, muscle energy technique, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on hamstring muscle length in healthy athletes: Randomized controlled trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2023 Jul;35:151-157. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.04.079. Epub 2023 Apr 21.
PubMed 37330762Yana M, Farhoomand B, Gunes M. Acute effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on the flexibility, strength, vertical jump, and dynamic balance performances of the plantar flexor muscle in professional football players. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2025 Jun;42:1079-1084. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.03.003. Epub 2025 Mar 6.
PubMed 40325639
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 23 Jan 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Acute Effects of Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on the Flexibility, Strength, Vertical Jump, and Dynamic Balance Performances of the Plantar Flexor Muscle in Professional Football Players.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06789120
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Sport health
- Conditions
- Myofascial Pain
- Keywords
- Myofascial release, plantar flexors, Soccer player, Balance
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Karabuk UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
- Study start
- 5 Dec 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Mar 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Mar 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 23 Jan 2025 (actual)
- 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.
For professional footboll players, the balance, jumping, and performance capabilities of the plantar flexor muscle group are crucial on the field. Performance-enhancing interventions for these muscles are essential for improving player performance, preventing injuries, and accelerating the rehabilitation process. limitations and myofascial problems often occur in these muscles due to overuse and fatigue. Graston technique (GT), one of the instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization techniques (IASTM), is thought to be an effective method in sports rehabilitation by accelerating relaxation and blood flow. However, this situation has not been adequately examined in the literature. Therefore, we think that the results of this study will provide an important perspective to the literature.
Detailed description
The plantar flexors (PF) and the ankle joint are of great importance as they play an essential role in generating force on the ground. The ankle PF is the primary structure where energy is stored and released during movement and is the primary source of forward propulsion. This constitutes an important source of power for soccer players. Ankle flexibility is linked to dynamic balance capacity, which influences important elements such as speed, kick accuracy, ball control and agility. Muscle tension, myofascia and reduced range of motion (ROM) are frequently observed in team sports such as soccer, which increases the frequency of muscle injuries. Studies have shown that movement efficiency is reduced when movement is restricted in both the lower and upper limbs. Therefore, preservation and restoration of ROM is important to minimize injuries and improve performance, and myofascial release is often used in this context. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization-Graston Technique (IASTM-GT) entails repetitive mechanical stimulation, including compression and shear stress applied to soft tissues such as muscles, deep fascia and tendons. It facilitates the healing process by creating microtrauma, disrupting collagen connections, increasing blood circulation and promoting cellular regeneration.Numerous studies have extensively investigated the flexibility effect of Graston Technique (GT) on athletes, particularly by improving ROM and accelerating the recovery process in key muscle groups such as the thighs, quadriceps and plantar flexors (PF). However, the evidence is not clear on how GT specifically affects the function of the PF muscle and its implications on the performance and health of football players. The effectiveness of facial mobilization in football players may be important for improving athlete performance and injury prevention. The results of this study may guide healthcare professionals by providing information about the effectiveness of these non-invasive techniques in athlete performance, treatment and rehabilitation process in clinical practice. In this context, the aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of fascial release applied to the PF muscles on ROM, jumping ability and muscle strength.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Group | Experimental | Other: Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilizationIn the study, the Graston device will be applied to the plantar flexor muscles of the patients. The medial and lateral gastarosoleus muscles and tendon will be applied deeply for 3 minutes, and the soleus muscle will be applied deeply for 90 seconds. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Healthy professional male football players
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Having a medical history of chronic disease (cardiopulmonary, neurological, thyroid gland diseases)
- Having acute musculoskeletal system problems
- No disability or surgical intervention in the lower extremity in the last year.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilizationIn the study, the Graston device will be applied to the plantar flexor muscles of the patients. The medial and lateral gastarosoleus muscles and tendon will be applied deeply for 3 minutes, and the soleus muscle will be applied deeply for 90 seconds. | Other | Treatment Group |
Primary outcome
Range of motion
Time frame: baseline, immediately after the intervention
Dorsiflexion Reng Of Motion tests were conducted using a handheld manual goniometer.
Muscle strength
Time frame: baseline, immediately after the intervention
The handheld dynamometer (Model: Activ5-M\ Activforce2) was used to measure isometric strength in the Plantar flexors of ankle.
Balance
Time frame: baseline, immediately after the intervention
The Y Balance Test (YBT) was employed for evaluating dynamic balance across three reach directions: anterior (ANT), posteromedial (PM), and posterolateral (PL)
Jump Performance
Time frame: baseline, immediately after the intervention
My Jump 2, a mobile app designed for vertical jump performance, high-speed video capture
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 23 Jan 2025.
- Background: PubMed 25347141Vardiman JP, Siedlik J, Herda T, Hawkins W, Cooper M, Graham ZA, Deckert J, Gallagher P. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization: effects on the properties of human plantar flexors. Int J Sports Med. 2015 Mar;36(3):197-203. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1384543. Epub 2014 Oct 27.
- Background: PubMed 24567849Laudner K, Compton BD, McLoda TA, Walters CM. Acute effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization for improving posterior shoulder range of motion in collegiate baseball players. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2014 Feb;9(1):1-7.
- Background: PubMed 37330762Nazary-Moghadam S, Yahya-Zadeh A, Zare MA, Ali Mohammadi M, Marouzi P, Zeinalzadeh A. Comparison of utilizing modified hold-relax, muscle energy technique, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on hamstring muscle length in healthy athletes: Randomized controlled trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2023 Jul;35:151-157. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.04.079. Epub 2023 Apr 21.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40325639Yana M, Farhoomand B, Gunes M. Acute effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on the flexibility, strength, vertical jump, and dynamic balance performances of the plantar flexor muscle in professional football players. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2025 Jun;42:1079-1084. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.03.003. Epub 2025 Mar 6.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Metehan Yana, PhD study chair
Karabuk University
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in people with Myofascial Pain, run by Karabuk University at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 3 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 23 Jan 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye). 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?
Range of motion (time frame: baseline, immediately after the intervention). The study lists 4 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 NCT06789120, which also lists 4 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 23 Jan 2025.