BalancedNCT07004374
Effects of Soft Tissue Mobilization and Vibration Therapy in Competitive Rowers
A study testing a percussion massage gun and specially designed stainless-steel instruments in people with Balanced and Soft Tissue Injuries, run by Medipol University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and percussion massage therapy on balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in competitive adolescent rowers. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 13 to 18 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Balanced, Soft Tissue Injuries
- What is being tested?
- a percussion massage gun and specially designed stainless-steel instruments
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 45 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 13 Jun 2025to 10 Jul 2025
- 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 13 to 18 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age between 13 and 18 years
- Licensed rowing athlete for at least 2 years
- Participating in at least 4 training sessions per week
- No lower extremity injury in the past 6 months
- Voluntary participation and signed informed consent form
Who cannot join
- History of surgery in the knee, hip, or ankle
- Neurological, vestibular, or systemic balance disorders
- Use of medications that may affect physical performance
- Orthopedic conditions that prevent participation in performance tests
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Percussion Vibration Therapy on Balance, Explosive Strength, and Functional Performance in Competitive Adolescent Rowers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and percussion massage therapy on balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in competitive adolescent rowers. A total of 45 participants aged 13-18 will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: vibration therapy group, soft tissue mobilization group, and control group. Interventions will target the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles. Outcome measures include the Y Balance Test, vertical jump, hop tests, and isometric muscle strength via myometry. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence-based insights into optimizing performance and injury prevention strategies in rowing athletes.
Read the detailed description
Rowing is a high-performance sport that demands coordinated action of the upper and lower extremities, trunk muscles, and cardiovascular system. Due to repetitive pulling movements, rowers are prone to musculoskeletal overload injuries, particularly in the lower back, shoulders, knees, and ankles. Effective balance control and lower extremity explosive strength are critical for performance enhancement and injury prevention in rowing athletes. Soft tissue mobilization techniques and vibration therapies are emerging modalities that may enhance muscle flexibility, joint mobility, and neuromuscular activation, thereby contributing to athletic performance.
This randomized controlled study is designed to evaluate the effects of two different interventions-instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) using the Graston technique, and percussion massage therapy using a handheld massage gun-on balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in competitive adolescent rowers aged 13-18. A total of 45 athletes meeting inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: Vibration Group (percussion therapy at 33Hz), Soft Tissue Mobilization Group (IASTM), and Control Group (no intervention). Both interventions will be applied to the quadriceps femoris and gastrocnemius muscles over standardized durations and protocols.
Functional outcomes will be measured using the Y Balance Test, vertical jump test, single-leg hop tests (single, triple, crossover, square hop), and a 6-meter timed hop. Muscle strength will be evaluated using a myometer to assess isometric force production of the quadriceps and gastrosoleus muscles. Assessments will be conducted pre- and post-intervention.
The study is expected to provide clinically relevant data on the efficacy of myofascial techniques in enhancing functional capacity and performance parameters in young elite athletes. Findings may support the incorporation of soft tissue techniques and vibration therapy into performance training and injury prevention protocols for rowing and similar sports.
- Conditions
- Balanced, Soft Tissue Injuries
- Being tested
- a percussion massage gun, specially designed stainless-steel instruments
- Keywords
- Rowing, Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), Percussion massage therapy, Balance, Explosive strength, Functional performance
- Medical subject headings
- Soft Tissue Injuries
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
a percussion massage gunDevice
Participants receive percussion massage therapy (33 Hz) applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using a handheld massage device for 5 minutes per muscle group.
specially designed stainless-steel instrumentsDevice
Participants receive instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM, Graston technique) applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using stainless steel tools with standardized techniques (Sweep, Fan, Brush) for 6 minutes.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Control Group | No intervention | Participants in this group will not receive any intervention. |
| Vibration Therapy (33 Hz) Group | Experimental | Participants receive percussion massage therapy (33 Hz) applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using a handheld massage device for 5 minutes per muscle group. Receives: Device: a percussion massage gun |
| Soft Tissue Mobilization Group | Experimental | Participants receive instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM, Graston technique) applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using stainless steel tools with standardized techniques (Sweep, Fan, Brush) for 6 minutes. Receives: Device: specially designed stainless-steel instruments |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Y Balance Test Composite Score
Assesses dynamic balance and postural control of the lower extremities. During the test, participants perform maximal reach in three directions-anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral-while maintaining a single-leg stance. The composite score is calculated by averaging the reach distances in all three directions, normalized to the participant's leg length using the formula:
Composite Score = (Anterior + Posteromedial + Posterolateral) / (3 × limb length) × 100 Scale Range: 0 to 100% Interpretation: Higher scores indicate better dynamic balance and greater postural control.
Measured: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
Secondary outcomes (4)
Vertical Jump Height
Measures lower extremity explosive strength. Participants perform a countermovement jump, and the maximum vertical jump height is recorded.
Unit of Measure: centimeters (cm) Scale Range: Not fixed (depends on physical capacity; typically 10-80 cm) Interpretation: Higher scores indicate greater explosive power in the lower extremities.
Measured: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
Single-Leg Hop Tests
Assesses unilateral functional lower limb performance and dynamic stability. Participants perform a maximal forward hop on one leg, and the distance is measured.
Unit of Measure: centimeters (cm) Scale Range: Not fixed (typically 50-250 cm) Interpretation: Greater distances reflect better functional strength and neuromuscular control.
Measured: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
6-Meter Timed Hop Test
Assesses power, speed, and dynamic control over a short distance using a single-leg hop. Total time to complete 6 meters is recorded.
Measured: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
Isometric Muscle Strength of Quadriceps and Gastrocnemius
Assessed with a hand-held myometer to measure maximal isometric force in Newtons.Myometer device with standard positioning and stabilization.
Measured: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 Jun 2025
- Study start13 Jun 2025
- Primary completion10 Jul 2025
- Study completion10 Jul 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for BalancedStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Medipol UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a parallel-group design to evaluate the comparative effects of two different therapeutic interventions-instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and percussion vibration therapy-on balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in adolescent competitive rowers. A total of 45 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group 1: Vibration Therapy Group (percussion massage therapy at 33 Hz) Group 2: Soft Tissue Mobilization Group (Graston technique/IASTM) Group 3: Control Group (no intervention)
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 45 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Medipol University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Emre DANSUK, Medipol University
- Investigators
- Emre Dansuk, PhD, Principal investigator, Medipol University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07004374
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- E-10840098-202.3.02-2942
- Status last verified
- Jul 2025
- First submitted
- 26 May 2025
- Last updated
- 22 Jul 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 22 Jul 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Percussion Vibration Therapy on Balance, Explosive Strength, and Functional Performance in Competitive Adolescent Rowers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07004374
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- E-10840098-202.3.02-2942
- Conditions
- Balanced, Soft Tissue Injuries
- Keywords
- Rowing, Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), Percussion massage therapy, Balance, Explosive strength, Functional performance
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 45 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Medipol UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 13 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Jul 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 4 Jun 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.
This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and percussion massage therapy on balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in competitive adolescent rowers. A total of 45 participants aged 13-18 will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: vibration therapy group, soft tissue mobilization group, and control group. Interventions will target the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles. Outcome measures include the Y Balance Test, vertical jump, hop tests, and isometric muscle strength via myometry. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence-based insights into optimizing performance and injury prevention strategies in rowing athletes.
Detailed description
Rowing is a high-performance sport that demands coordinated action of the upper and lower extremities, trunk muscles, and cardiovascular system. Due to repetitive pulling movements, rowers are prone to musculoskeletal overload injuries, particularly in the lower back, shoulders, knees, and ankles. Effective balance control and lower extremity explosive strength are critical for performance enhancement and injury prevention in rowing athletes. Soft tissue mobilization techniques and vibration therapies are emerging modalities that may enhance muscle flexibility, joint mobility, and neuromuscular activation, thereby contributing to athletic performance.
This randomized controlled study is designed to evaluate the effects of two different interventions-instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) using the Graston technique, and percussion massage therapy using a handheld massage gun-on balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in competitive adolescent rowers aged 13-18. A total of 45 athletes meeting inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: Vibration Group (percussion therapy at 33Hz), Soft Tissue Mobilization Group (IASTM), and Control Group (no intervention). Both interventions will be applied to the quadriceps femoris and gastrocnemius muscles over standardized durations and protocols.
Functional outcomes will be measured using the Y Balance Test, vertical jump test, single-leg hop tests (single, triple, crossover, square hop), and a 6-meter timed hop. Muscle strength will be evaluated using a myometer to assess isometric force production of the quadriceps and gastrosoleus muscles. Assessments will be conducted pre- and post-intervention.
The study is expected to provide clinically relevant data on the efficacy of myofascial techniques in enhancing functional capacity and performance parameters in young elite athletes. Findings may support the incorporation of soft tissue techniques and vibration therapy into performance training and injury prevention protocols for rowing and similar sports.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a parallel-group design to evaluate the comparative effects of two different therapeutic interventions-instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and percussion vibration therapy-on balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in adolescent competitive rowers. A total of 45 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group 1: Vibration Therapy Group (percussion massage therapy at 33 Hz) Group 2: Soft Tissue Mobilization Group (Graston technique/IASTM) Group 3: Control Group (no intervention)
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Control Group | No intervention | –Participants in this group will not receive any intervention. |
| Vibration Therapy (33 Hz) Group | Experimental | Device: a percussion massage gunParticipants receive percussion massage therapy (33 Hz) applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using a handheld massage device for 5 minutes per muscle group. |
| Soft Tissue Mobilization Group | Experimental | Device: specially designed stainless-steel instrumentsParticipants receive instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM, Graston technique) applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using stainless steel tools with standardized techniques (Sweep, Fan, Brush) for 6 minutes. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 13 to 18 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Age between 13 and 18 years
- Licensed rowing athlete for at least 2 years
- Participating in at least 4 training sessions per week
- No lower extremity injury in the past 6 months
- Voluntary participation and signed informed consent form
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- History of surgery in the knee, hip, or ankle
- Neurological, vestibular, or systemic balance disorders
- Use of medications that may affect physical performance
- Orthopedic conditions that prevent participation in performance tests
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 |
|---|---|---|
| a percussion massage gunParticipants receive percussion massage therapy (33 Hz) applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using a handheld massage device for 5 minutes per muscle group. | Device | Vibration Therapy (33 Hz) Group |
| specially designed stainless-steel instrumentsParticipants receive instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM, Graston technique) applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using stainless steel tools with standardized techniques (Sweep, Fan, Brush) for 6 minutes. | Device | Soft Tissue Mobilization Group |
Primary outcome
Y Balance Test Composite Score
Time frame: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
Assesses dynamic balance and postural control of the lower extremities. During the test, participants perform maximal reach in three directions-anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral-while maintaining a single-leg stance. The composite score is calculated by averaging the reach distances in all three directions, normalized to the participant's leg length using the formula: Composite Score = (Anterior + Posteromedial + Posterolateral) / (3 × limb length) × 100 Scale Range: 0 to 100% Interpretation: Higher scores indicate better dynamic balance and greater postural control.
4 secondary outcomes
Vertical Jump Height
Time frame: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
Single-Leg Hop Tests
Time frame: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
6-Meter Timed Hop Test
Time frame: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
Isometric Muscle Strength of Quadriceps and Gastrocnemius
Time frame: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
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 22 Jul 2025.
- 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.
Emre Dansuk, PhD principal investigator
Medipol University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing a percussion massage gun and specially designed stainless-steel instruments in people with Balanced and Soft Tissue Injuries, run by Medipol University at 1 site 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 5 inclusion and 4 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 22 Jul 2025. 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 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?
Y Balance Test Composite Score (time frame: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 22 Jul 2025.