BalancedNCT07206576
Acute Effects of Percussion Massage Therapy in Adolescent Cyclists
A study testing a percussion massage gun in people with Balanced, run by Medipol University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the acute effects of percussion massage therapy (PMT) on balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in adolescent competitive cyclists aged 12-15. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 12 to 15 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Balanced
- What is being tested?
- a percussion massage gun
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 32 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 30 Sep 2025to 14 Nov 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 12 to 15 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Aged between 12 and 15 years
- Licensed competitive cyclist for at least 2 years
- Participating in at least 4 training sessions per week
- No lower extremity injuries in the past 6 months
- Voluntary participation by signing the informed consent form
Who cannot join
- History of surgery in the knee, hip, or ankle joints
- Presence of neurological, vestibular, or systemic balance disorders
- Use of medications that may affect performance
- Any orthopedic condition that prevents participation in performance tests
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Acute Effects of Percussion Massage Therapy on Balance, Explosive Power, and Functional Performance in Adolescent Cyclists: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the acute effects of percussion massage therapy (PMT) on balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in adolescent competitive cyclists aged 12-15. A total of 32 participants will be randomly assigned to either a PMT group, which will receive a single session of vibration-based therapy using a handheld percussion device (Compex Fixx 2.0), or a control group with passive rest. Performance parameters will be assessed using the Y Balance Test, vertical jump, hop tests, 10-second sprint cycling, and isometric muscle strength via dynamometry. The study seeks to determine whether PMT offers short-term neuromuscular benefits that may enhance cycling performance in youth athletes.
Read the detailed description
Cycling is a sport that requires repetitive and rhythmic activation of the lower extremity muscles, where balance, endurance, and muscular power are critical. In adolescent athletes aged 12-15, musculoskeletal structures are still developing, and interventions aimed at enhancing performance must be carefully investigated in terms of both efficacy and safety.
Percussion massage therapy (PMT) is a novel method that combines elements of traditional massage and vibration therapy, applying rapid mechanical pulses to soft tissues using handheld devices. PMT has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential to enhance circulation, reduce muscle stiffness, and improve neuromuscular function. Studies suggest that PMT can produce acute effects such as improved proprioception, reduced muscle tone, and enhanced explosive performance.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the acute effects of PMT on dynamic balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in young competitive cyclists. Thirty-two participants, aged 12 to 15, who have been licensed cyclists for at least 2 years and train regularly, will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving PMT or a control group undergoing passive rest.
The intervention group will receive a single session of PMT using the Compex® Fixx™ 2.0 device, applied bilaterally to the gluteus maximus, quadriceps femoris, and gastrocnemius muscles at 41.7 Hz for 3 minutes per muscle group. The control group will remain seated for an equivalent rest period.
Performance outcomes will be assessed using the Y Balance Test, Vertical Jump Test, single-leg hop test (triple hop), 10-second cycling sprint test, and handheld dynamometry to measure isometric muscle strength. In addition, subjective muscle relaxation will be evaluated pre- and post-intervention using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS).
The findings of this study will contribute to the limited body of evidence regarding vibration-based interventions in youth athletes and help determine whether PMT is a viable strategy to acutely improve neuromuscular performance in adolescent cyclists.
- Conditions
- Balanced
- Being tested
- a percussion massage gun
- Keywords
- Cycling, Functional performance, Explosive strength, Balance, Vibration therapy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
a percussion massage gunDevice
Participants assigned to the intervention group will receive a single session of percussion massage therapy (PMT) using the Compex® Fixx™ 2.0 handheld device. The treatment will be applied bilaterally to three major muscle groups: gluteus maximus, quadriceps femoris, and gastrocnemius.
The device will operate at a high intensity setting (Level 4) with a frequency of 41.7 Hz.
A wedge-shaped applicator head will be used to ensure consistent pressure across the treatment area.
Each muscle group will be treated for 3 minutes, following a standardized linear stroke pattern from proximal to distal and back.
The total duration of the intervention will be approximately 18 minutes.
The intervention will be performed once, immediately before the post-test evaluations, and aims to assess acute effects on neuromuscular performance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Percussion Massage Therapy Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive a single session of percussion massage therapy (PMT) using the Compex® Fixx™ 2.0 device applied bilaterally to the gluteus maximus, quadriceps femoris, and gastrocnemius muscles for 3 minutes per muscle group at 41.7 Hz. Receives: Device: a percussion massage gun |
| Control Group | No intervention | Participants in this group will not receive any intervention. They will remain seated in a resting position for an equivalent duration (approximately 18 minutes) to match the intervention group's time frame. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Y Balance Test Composite Score
The Y Balance Test will be used to assess dynamic balance by measuring reach distances in three directions (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral) while standing on one leg. Each direction will be tested three times, and the average reach distance will be normalized to leg length. A composite score will be calculated and expressed as a percentage to evaluate overall dynamic balance capacity. Higher scores indicate better balance performance.
Measured: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
Secondary outcomes (5)
Single-Leg Hop Distance (Triple Hop Test)
The Triple Hop Test evaluates lower limb strength, power, and dynamic stability. Participants will perform three consecutive forward hops on the same leg along a straight line, aiming for maximal distance. The total distance from toe-off to the final landing point will be measured in centimeters. The longest of three valid trials will be recorded. Increased hop distance indicates improved functional performance.
Measured: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
Isometric Muscle Strength (Gluteus Maximus, Quadriceps, Gastrocnemius)
Isometric strength of gluteus maximus, quadriceps femoris, and gastrocnemius will be measured using a handheld dynamometer. Standardized positioning and stabilization techniques will be used to ensure reliability. Three maximal contractions will be performed for each muscle, and the highest value (in Newtons) will be recorded for analysis. Greater force output reflects improved neuromuscular capacity.
Measured: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
Peak Power Output
Sprint cycling performance will be assessed using a stationary cycle ergometer. After a warm-up, participants will perform a 10-second all-out sprint with standardized resistance. Peak power (Watts) will be recorded as an indicator of anaerobic capacity.
Measured: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
Sprint Distance
During the same 10-second sprint test, the total distance covered (meters) will be recorded as an indicator of explosive leg power.
Measured: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
Subjective Muscle Relaxation (Numeric Rating Scale - NRS)
Subjective perception of muscle relaxation will be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), ranging from 0 (no relaxation) to 10 (complete relaxation). Participants will rate their perceived muscle tension and relaxation immediately before and after the intervention to quantify perceived benefits.
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 posted3 Oct 2025
- Study start30 Sep 2025
- Primary completion14 Nov 2025
- Study completion14 Nov 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- 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 two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. A total of 32 adolescent competitive cyclists aged 12-15 years will be randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to either the intervention group receiving percussion massage therapy (PMT) or the control group undergoing passive rest.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Medipol University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Emre DANSUK, Medipol University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07206576
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- E-10840098-202.3.02-6304
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 26 Sep 2025
- Last updated
- 30 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Dansuk E, Menek B, Arslan T, Okur S. Acute effects of percussion massage therapy on balance, functional performance, and pain in adolescent cyclists: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Mar 26;18(1):168. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01607-x.
PubMed 41888937
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Acute Effects of Percussion Massage Therapy on Balance, Explosive Power, and Functional Performance in Adolescent Cyclists: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07206576
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- E-10840098-202.3.02-6304
- Conditions
- Balanced
- Keywords
- Cycling, Functional performance, Explosive strength, Balance, Vibration therapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Medipol UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 30 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 14 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 14 Nov 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 3 Oct 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 trial aims to investigate the acute effects of percussion massage therapy (PMT) on balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in adolescent competitive cyclists aged 12-15. A total of 32 participants will be randomly assigned to either a PMT group, which will receive a single session of vibration-based therapy using a handheld percussion device (Compex Fixx 2.0), or a control group with passive rest. Performance parameters will be assessed using the Y Balance Test, vertical jump, hop tests, 10-second sprint cycling, and isometric muscle strength via dynamometry. The study seeks to determine whether PMT offers short-term neuromuscular benefits that may enhance cycling performance in youth athletes.
Detailed description
Cycling is a sport that requires repetitive and rhythmic activation of the lower extremity muscles, where balance, endurance, and muscular power are critical. In adolescent athletes aged 12-15, musculoskeletal structures are still developing, and interventions aimed at enhancing performance must be carefully investigated in terms of both efficacy and safety.
Percussion massage therapy (PMT) is a novel method that combines elements of traditional massage and vibration therapy, applying rapid mechanical pulses to soft tissues using handheld devices. PMT has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential to enhance circulation, reduce muscle stiffness, and improve neuromuscular function. Studies suggest that PMT can produce acute effects such as improved proprioception, reduced muscle tone, and enhanced explosive performance.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the acute effects of PMT on dynamic balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in young competitive cyclists. Thirty-two participants, aged 12 to 15, who have been licensed cyclists for at least 2 years and train regularly, will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving PMT or a control group undergoing passive rest.
The intervention group will receive a single session of PMT using the Compex® Fixx™ 2.0 device, applied bilaterally to the gluteus maximus, quadriceps femoris, and gastrocnemius muscles at 41.7 Hz for 3 minutes per muscle group. The control group will remain seated for an equivalent rest period.
Performance outcomes will be assessed using the Y Balance Test, Vertical Jump Test, single-leg hop test (triple hop), 10-second cycling sprint test, and handheld dynamometry to measure isometric muscle strength. In addition, subjective muscle relaxation will be evaluated pre- and post-intervention using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS).
The findings of this study will contribute to the limited body of evidence regarding vibration-based interventions in youth athletes and help determine whether PMT is a viable strategy to acutely improve neuromuscular performance in adolescent cyclists.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study is designed as a two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. A total of 32 adolescent competitive cyclists aged 12-15 years will be randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to either the intervention group receiving percussion massage therapy (PMT) or the control group undergoing passive rest.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Percussion Massage Therapy Group | Experimental | Device: a percussion massage gunParticipants in this group will receive a single session of percussion massage therapy (PMT) using the Compex® Fixx™ 2.0 device applied bilaterally to the gluteus maximus, quadriceps femoris, and gastrocnemius muscles for 3 minutes per muscle group at 41.7 Hz. |
| Control Group | No intervention | –Participants in this group will not receive any intervention. They will remain seated in a resting position for an equivalent duration (approximately 18 minutes) to match the intervention group's time frame. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 12 to 15 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Aged between 12 and 15 years
- Licensed competitive cyclist for at least 2 years
- Participating in at least 4 training sessions per week
- No lower extremity injuries in the past 6 months
- Voluntary participation by signing the informed consent form
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- History of surgery in the knee, hip, or ankle joints
- Presence of neurological, vestibular, or systemic balance disorders
- Use of medications that may affect performance
- Any orthopedic condition that prevents 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 assigned to the intervention group will receive a single session of percussion massage therapy (PMT) using the Compex® Fixx™ 2.0 handheld device. The treatment will be applied bilaterally to three major muscle groups: gluteus maximus, quadriceps femoris, and gastrocnemius. The device will operate at a high intensity setting (Level 4) with a frequency of 41.7 Hz. A wedge-shaped applicator head will be used to ensure consistent pressure across the treatment area. Each muscle group will be treated for 3 minutes, following a standardized linear stroke pattern from proximal to distal and back. The total duration of the intervention will be approximately 18 minutes. The intervention will be performed once, immediately before the post-test evaluations, and aims to assess acute effects on neuromuscular performance. | Device | Percussion Massage Therapy Group |
Primary outcome
Y Balance Test Composite Score
Time frame: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
The Y Balance Test will be used to assess dynamic balance by measuring reach distances in three directions (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral) while standing on one leg. Each direction will be tested three times, and the average reach distance will be normalized to leg length. A composite score will be calculated and expressed as a percentage to evaluate overall dynamic balance capacity. Higher scores indicate better balance performance.
5 secondary outcomes
Single-Leg Hop Distance (Triple Hop Test)
Time frame: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
Isometric Muscle Strength (Gluteus Maximus, Quadriceps, Gastrocnemius)
Time frame: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
Peak Power Output
Time frame: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
Sprint Distance
Time frame: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
Subjective Muscle Relaxation (Numeric Rating Scale - NRS)
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 30 Dec 2025.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 41888937Dansuk E, Menek B, Arslan T, Okur S. Acute effects of percussion massage therapy on balance, functional performance, and pain in adolescent cyclists: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Mar 26;18(1):168. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01607-x.
- 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.
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 a percussion massage gun in people with Balanced, 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 30 Dec 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?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07206576, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 Dec 2025.