HealthNCT07213011
Effects of Static Stretching and Self-myofascial Release on Local and Remote Range of Motion
A study testing Neck static stretching and Neck self-myofascial release in people with Health and Healthy Participants, run by University of Palermo at 1 site in Italy.
Trial summary
Static stretching and self-myofascial release are commonly used techniques to improve joint mobility, primarily through mechanisms such as reduced tissue stiffness, increased stretch tolerance, and warming effects. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 55 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Health, Healthy Participants, Healthy Subjects
- What is being tested?
- Neck static stretching and Neck self-myofascial release
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteItaly
- Study dates
- 14 May 2025to 28 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 18 to 55 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Healthy male and female participants aged 18 or older.
Who cannot join
- orthopedic or neurological disorders;
- current and recent injuries or damage to the upper and lower limbs.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Neck Static Stretching and Self-myofascial Release on Local and Remote Range of Motion: a Randomized Crossover Trial
Static stretching and self-myofascial release are commonly used techniques to improve joint mobility, primarily through mechanisms such as reduced tissue stiffness, increased stretch tolerance, and warming effects. Emerging evidence suggests that these interventions may also elicit remote effects, improving range of motion in body segments distant from the site of application. These non-local adaptations are thought to occur via mechanisms such as myofascial force transmission, systemic increases in stretch tolerance, or global neuromuscular responses. This phenomenon may have important clinical implications, particularly in scenarios where direct treatment of a target area is limited due to pain, injury, or immobilization.
Therefore, this study explores the potential for local and remote effects of static stretching and self-myofascial release applied to the right posterolateral neck region. Specifically, this study investigates whether targeted cervical interventions can acutely improve not only cervical range of motion but also hip flexion range of motion on the ipsilateral (right) side. The proposed mechanisms include reductions in tissue stiffness, increased stretch tolerance and pressure pain threshold, and the transmission of mechanical forces along myofascial chains, particularly the "superficial back line," which anatomically connects the cervical region to the posterior lower limb. The primary aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of neck static stretching and neck self-myofascial release using a massage roller on both local (cervical) and remote (right hip) ROM.
Read the detailed description
All outcome data will be expressed as mean ± standard deviation. The reliability of baseline measurements (T0) will be assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for all variables. After verifying the distribution of the data, potential baseline differences among the three experimental conditions will be assessed (stretching, myofascial release, and control) through a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
To examine differences in the main outcomes, a repeated-measures ANOVA (3 conditions × 2 time points) will be conducted. When a significant condition × time interaction is detected, post hoc analyses with Scheffé corrections will be applied to determine specific between and within-group differences. Effect sizes will be reported as partial eta squared (η²p). Statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05 for all analyses
- Conditions
- Health, Healthy Participants, Healthy Subjects, Healthy Young People, Healthy Young Adults, Stretching
- Being tested
- Neck static stretching, Neck self-myofascial release
- Keywords
- stretch, massage roller, cervical, mobility, remote effects
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Neck static stretchingOther
The neck static stretching (SS) protocol consisted of four sets, each lasting 45 seconds, interspersed with 45-second recovery periods (total intervention time: 3 minutes). While seated on a chair, participants performed the stretch by gently inclining the head forward and to the left in an antero-lateral direction and assisting the movement with the contralateral (left) hand to specifically elongate the right posterolateral neck region.
Neck self-myofascial releaseOther
For the self-myofascial release (SMR) intervention, a Theraband® roller massager was employed. The device consists of a rigid plastic core surrounded by dense foam, designed with a grooved surface to facilitate both superficial and deeper tissue stimulation. The SMR protocol comprised four sets (total intervention time: 3 minutes), during which participants executed 45 rhythmic rolling movements per set at a cadence of one roll per second. The tempo was standardized using a metronome application. For the SMR condition, the protocol included 45-second recovery intervals between sets. Participants, seated on a chair, were instructed to perform self-administered rolling on the right posterolateral neck region using the massage roller and to cover the largest possible area of the posterolateral neck region during the rolling, with the head gently inclined forward and to the left in an antero-lateral direction.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Static stretching | Experimental | The neck static stretching protocol consisted of four sets of 45 seconds each, with 45-second rest intervals between sets, resulting in a total intervention time of three minutes. Participants remained seated in an upright position and executed the stretch by gently inclining the head in an anterolateral direction, forward and to the left, while using the contralateral (left) hand to assist the movement. This positioning was intended to specifically target and elongate the right posterolateral neck musculature. Receives: Other: Neck static stretching |
| Self-myofascial release | Experimental | For the neck self-myofascial release intervention, a Theraband® Roller Massager (The Hygenic Corporation, Akron, OH, USA) was utilized. This device features a rigid plastic core encased in high-density foam with a grooved surface, designed to facilitate both superficial and deeper tissue stimulation. The self-myofascial release protocol consisted of four sets, each comprising 45 rhythmic rolling movements performed at a standardized cadence of one roll per second, totaling three minutes of intervention time. The rolling tempo was regulated using a metronome application (Tempo Lite, version 5.0.8; Apple App Store). A 45-second rest interval was provided between sets. While seated, participants self-administered the rolling technique to the right posterolateral region of the neck, ensuring coverage of the largest possible surface area. To optimize tissue elongation, the head was maintained in a gently inclined anterolateral position, forward and to the left, throughout the intervention. Receives: Other: Neck self-myofascial release |
| Control | No intervention | In the control condition (CC), participants remained seated quietly on a chair for a period of 6 minutes, matching the duration of the static stretching and self-myofascial release protocols, but without performing any active intervention, between the baseline and post assessments. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Range Of Motion
Right hip flexion range of motion (ROM) was assessed using the Active Straight Leg Raise test. Participants lay in a supine position with the test knee fully extended and the ankle dorsiflexed, a setup intended to specifically assess hamstring extensibility. Hip flexion was measured in degrees using the GYKO inertial measurement unit.
Cervical ROM was evaluated with participants seated and secured to the chair at the chest level using inelastic straps to limit trunk movement. The GYKO accelerometer was positioned on the forehead via a head strap and recorded active cervical movements in flexion, extension, right and left rotation, and right and left inclination.
The investigators collected three ROM measurements for each movement (hip flexion, cervical flexion/extension, right and left cervical rotation, right and left cervical inclination) and for each time point (T0 and T1), then used the average of the three measurements for statistical analysis.
Measured: During each condition (SS, SMR, CC), hip and cervical ROM was collected at two time-points: upon arrival (T0) and immediately following the assigned condition (T1).
Tissue Hardness
Tissue hardness (TH) nwas assessed using a portable TH meter (NEUTONE TDM-N1; TRY-ALL Corp., Chiba, Japan). For cervical TH assessment, the spinous process of C7 served as the anatomical landmark. Measurements were taken at two locations, positioned 2 cm lateral to the right and left of the C7 spinous process. Assessment of TH in the right knee flexors was conducted using the ischial tuberosity as the proximal reference point and the popliteal fossa as the distal landmark. Measurements were obtained at two specific sites located in the proximal third of the posterior thigh: a lateral site corresponding to the biceps femoris and a medial site corresponding to the semitendinosus/semimembranosus muscle complex. All TH measurements were performed with participants in a prone position on a medical examination bed. Participants were instructed to remain relaxed throughout the procedure. For each time point (T0 and T1), three consecutive measurements were taken per anatomical site.
Measured: During each condition (SS, SMR, CC), cervical and hamstring TH was collected at two time-points: upon arrival (T0) and immediately following the assigned condition (T1).
Pain Pressure Threshold
Pain pressure threshold (PPT) was measured using a portable digital algometer (FPX 25 Pain Tester, Wagner Instruments, CT, USA). Participant positioning and the anatomical testing sites were identical to those used for the TH assessments. The algometer probe was applied perpendicularly to the muscle fibers, and pressure was manually increased at a constant rate of 1 kg·s-¹ by the same trained investigator to ensure consistency. Participants were instructed to verbally indicate "stop" at the point where the sensation first transitioned from pressure to pain. The corresponding value displayed on the algometer at that moment, expressed in kg·cm-², was recorded as the PPT. The investigators collected three PPT measurements for each anatomical site and time point (T0 and T1), then used the average of the three measurements for statistical analysis.
Measured: During each condition (SS, SMR, CC), cervical and hamstring PPT was collected at two time-points: upon arrival (T0) and immediately following the assigned condition (T1).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Oct 2025
- Study start14 May 2025
- Primary completion28 Jul 2025
- Study completion28 Jul 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for HealthStudies 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
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Palermo
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ewan Thomas, University of Palermo
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07213011
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RE 306/2025
- Status last verified
- Nov 2025
- First submitted
- 1 Oct 2025
- Last updated
- 19 Nov 2025
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 19 Nov 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Neck Static Stretching and Self-myofascial Release on Local and Remote Range of Motion: a Randomized Crossover Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07213011
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RE 306/2025
- Conditions
- Health, Healthy Participants, Healthy Subjects, Healthy Young People, Healthy Young Adults, Stretching
- Keywords
- stretch, massage roller, cervical, mobility, remote effects
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of PalermoUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 14 May 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 28 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 28 Jul 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 8 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.
Static stretching and self-myofascial release are commonly used techniques to improve joint mobility, primarily through mechanisms such as reduced tissue stiffness, increased stretch tolerance, and warming effects. Emerging evidence suggests that these interventions may also elicit remote effects, improving range of motion in body segments distant from the site of application. These non-local adaptations are thought to occur via mechanisms such as myofascial force transmission, systemic increases in stretch tolerance, or global neuromuscular responses. This phenomenon may have important clinical implications, particularly in scenarios where direct treatment of a target area is limited due to pain, injury, or immobilization.
Therefore, this study explores the potential for local and remote effects of static stretching and self-myofascial release applied to the right posterolateral neck region. Specifically, this study investigates whether targeted cervical interventions can acutely improve not only cervical range of motion but also hip flexion range of motion on the ipsilateral (right) side. The proposed mechanisms include reductions in tissue stiffness, increased stretch tolerance and pressure pain threshold, and the transmission of mechanical forces along myofascial chains, particularly the "superficial back line," which anatomically connects the cervical region to the posterior lower limb. The primary aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of neck static stretching and neck self-myofascial release using a massage roller on both local (cervical) and remote (right hip) ROM.
Detailed description
All outcome data will be expressed as mean ± standard deviation. The reliability of baseline measurements (T0) will be assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for all variables. After verifying the distribution of the data, potential baseline differences among the three experimental conditions will be assessed (stretching, myofascial release, and control) through a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
To examine differences in the main outcomes, a repeated-measures ANOVA (3 conditions × 2 time points) will be conducted. When a significant condition × time interaction is detected, post hoc analyses with Scheffé corrections will be applied to determine specific between and within-group differences. Effect sizes will be reported as partial eta squared (η²p). Statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05 for all analyses
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Static stretching | Experimental | Other: Neck static stretchingThe neck static stretching protocol consisted of four sets of 45 seconds each, with 45-second rest intervals between sets, resulting in a total intervention time of three minutes. Participants remained seated in an upright position and executed the stretch by gently inclining the head in an anterolateral direction, forward and to the left, while using the contralateral (left) hand to assist the movement. This positioning was intended to specifically target and elongate the right posterolateral neck musculature. |
| Self-myofascial release | Experimental | Other: Neck self-myofascial releaseFor the neck self-myofascial release intervention, a Theraband® Roller Massager (The Hygenic Corporation, Akron, OH, USA) was utilized. This device features a rigid plastic core encased in high-density foam with a grooved surface, designed to facilitate both superficial and deeper tissue stimulation. The self-myofascial release protocol consisted of four sets, each comprising 45 rhythmic rolling movements performed at a standardized cadence of one roll per second, totaling three minutes of intervention time. The rolling tempo was regulated using a metronome application (Tempo Lite, version 5.0.8; Apple App Store). A 45-second rest interval was provided between sets. While seated, participants self-administered the rolling technique to the right posterolateral region of the neck, ensuring coverage of the largest possible surface area. To optimize tissue elongation, the head was maintained in a gently inclined anterolateral position, forward and to the left, throughout the intervention. |
| Control | No intervention | –In the control condition (CC), participants remained seated quietly on a chair for a period of 6 minutes, matching the duration of the static stretching and self-myofascial release protocols, but without performing any active intervention, between the baseline and post assessments. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Healthy male and female participants aged 18 or older.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- orthopedic or neurological disorders;
- current and recent injuries or damage to the upper and lower limbs.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Neck static stretchingThe neck static stretching (SS) protocol consisted of four sets, each lasting 45 seconds, interspersed with 45-second recovery periods (total intervention time: 3 minutes). While seated on a chair, participants performed the stretch by gently inclining the head forward and to the left in an antero-lateral direction and assisting the movement with the contralateral (left) hand to specifically elongate the right posterolateral neck region. | Other | Static stretching |
| Neck self-myofascial releaseFor the self-myofascial release (SMR) intervention, a Theraband® roller massager was employed. The device consists of a rigid plastic core surrounded by dense foam, designed with a grooved surface to facilitate both superficial and deeper tissue stimulation. The SMR protocol comprised four sets (total intervention time: 3 minutes), during which participants executed 45 rhythmic rolling movements per set at a cadence of one roll per second. The tempo was standardized using a metronome application. For the SMR condition, the protocol included 45-second recovery intervals between sets. Participants, seated on a chair, were instructed to perform self-administered rolling on the right posterolateral neck region using the massage roller and to cover the largest possible area of the posterolateral neck region during the rolling, with the head gently inclined forward and to the left in an antero-lateral direction. | Other | Self-myofascial release |
Primary outcome
Range Of Motion
Time frame: During each condition (SS, SMR, CC), hip and cervical ROM was collected at two time-points: upon arrival (T0) and immediately following the assigned condition (T1).
Right hip flexion range of motion (ROM) was assessed using the Active Straight Leg Raise test. Participants lay in a supine position with the test knee fully extended and the ankle dorsiflexed, a setup intended to specifically assess hamstring extensibility. Hip flexion was measured in degrees using the GYKO inertial measurement unit. Cervical ROM was evaluated with participants seated and secured to the chair at the chest level using inelastic straps to limit trunk movement. The GYKO accelerometer was positioned on the forehead via a head strap and recorded active cervical movements in flexion, extension, right and left rotation, and right and left inclination. The investigators collected three ROM measurements for each movement (hip flexion, cervical flexion/extension, right and left cervical rotation, right and left cervical inclination) and for each time point (T0 and T1), then used the average of the three measurements for statistical analysis.
Tissue Hardness
Time frame: During each condition (SS, SMR, CC), cervical and hamstring TH was collected at two time-points: upon arrival (T0) and immediately following the assigned condition (T1).
Tissue hardness (TH) nwas assessed using a portable TH meter (NEUTONE TDM-N1; TRY-ALL Corp., Chiba, Japan). For cervical TH assessment, the spinous process of C7 served as the anatomical landmark. Measurements were taken at two locations, positioned 2 cm lateral to the right and left of the C7 spinous process. Assessment of TH in the right knee flexors was conducted using the ischial tuberosity as the proximal reference point and the popliteal fossa as the distal landmark. Measurements were obtained at two specific sites located in the proximal third of the posterior thigh: a lateral site corresponding to the biceps femoris and a medial site corresponding to the semitendinosus/semimembranosus muscle complex. All TH measurements were performed with participants in a prone position on a medical examination bed. Participants were instructed to remain relaxed throughout the procedure. For each time point (T0 and T1), three consecutive measurements were taken per anatomical site.
Pain Pressure Threshold
Time frame: During each condition (SS, SMR, CC), cervical and hamstring PPT was collected at two time-points: upon arrival (T0) and immediately following the assigned condition (T1).
Pain pressure threshold (PPT) was measured using a portable digital algometer (FPX 25 Pain Tester, Wagner Instruments, CT, USA). Participant positioning and the anatomical testing sites were identical to those used for the TH assessments. The algometer probe was applied perpendicularly to the muscle fibers, and pressure was manually increased at a constant rate of 1 kg·s-¹ by the same trained investigator to ensure consistency. Participants were instructed to verbally indicate "stop" at the point where the sensation first transitioned from pressure to pain. The corresponding value displayed on the algometer at that moment, expressed in kg·cm-², was recorded as the PPT. The investigators collected three PPT measurements for each anatomical site and time point (T0 and T1), then used the average of the three measurements for statistical analysis.
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 19 Nov 2025.
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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 Neck static stretching and Neck self-myofascial release in people with Health and Healthy Participants, run by University of Palermo at 1 site in Italy.
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 2 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 19 Nov 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 Italy. 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: During each condition (SS, SMR, CC), hip and cervical ROM was collected at two time-points: upon arrival (T0) and immediately following the assigned condition (T1).). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. 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 19 Nov 2025.