Healthy VolonteersVIB-EXPRESSNCT07344298
Less is Better? Effectiveness of a Short Local Vibration Protocol on Neuromuscular Function
A study testing Local vibration protocol in people with Healthy Volonteers, run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne at 1 site in France.
Trial summary
Local vibration is a non-invasive neuromuscular stimulation modality used in training and rehabilitation for its effects on neuromuscular function, particularly its ability to induce nervous adaptations. Its passive application is particularly useful in cases of motor deficit or immobilization. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy Volonteers
- What is being tested?
- Local vibration protocol
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 72 participants
- Where
- 1 siteFrance
- Study dates
- 23 Mar 2026to 22 Jan 2028
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 45 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Men and women,
- Aged between 18 and 45,
- With a body mass index between 18 and 30 kg/m²,
- Who have received detailed information about the study and have co-signed the consent form with the investigator,
- Who are affiliated with or entitled to social security coverage.
Who cannot join
- Subjects with chronic cardiovascular, neuromuscular, bone, metabolic, and/or inflammatory conditions,
- Personal history and/or risk factors for thrombosis,
- Subjects undergoing antidepressant treatment,
- Subjects who have taken corticosteroid treatment in the last 3 months,
- Use of neuroactive substances likely to alter corticospinal excitability (hypnotics, antiepileptics, psychotropic drugs, muscle relaxants) during the study period,
- History of bone or ligament trauma to the lower limbs within the last 12 months,
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- Unable to perform the physical efforts required for the study,
- Engaging in intense and unusual physical activity, including competitive sports, in the month preceding and during the protocol,
- Presence of a skin lesion at the site where the vibrator is to be placed,
- Simultaneous participation in another interventional medical trial,
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Subjects unable to understand the purpose and conditions of the study, unable to give their consent,
- Subjects deprived of their liberty or subject to legal protection such as guardianship
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Thomas LAPOLE, PhD contact
France1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
CHU de Saint-Etienne
Saint-Etienne, 42055
Léonard FEASSON, MD, PhD, (0)477120383 ext. +33, leonard.feasson@chu-st-etienne.fr
Léonard FEASSON, MD, PhD
About this study
Local vibration is a non-invasive neuromuscular stimulation modality used in training and rehabilitation for its effects on neuromuscular function, particularly its ability to induce nervous adaptations. Its passive application is particularly useful in cases of motor deficit or immobilization.
Several studies, including our own, have shown that vibration protocols over several weeks can induce significant gains in muscle strength, particularly in the knee extensors. However, the parameters of application remain heterogeneous, particularly with regard to the duration of the interventions.
With this in mind, a prospective controlled study is being conducted in healthy subjects, comparing four modalities of local vibration intervention targeting the knee extensors: an intensive vibration protocol over 5 consecutive days (1 session of 30 or 60 minutes per day) and a protocol spread over 4 weeks at a rate of 3 weekly sessions of 30 or 60 minutes). The objective is to evaluate and compare their immediate and delayed effects on force production and corticospinal properties. The results of this study will thus help optimize recommendations regarding the use of local vibration in muscle strengthening and neuromuscular reconditioning strategies.
- Conditions
- Healthy Volonteers
- Being tested
- Local vibration protocol
- Keywords
- neuromuscular function, local vibration protocol, knee extensor
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Local vibration protocolDevice
Also called Vibramoov Physio
The vibrations will be delivered using the Vibramoov Physio device, positioned directly on the quadriceps muscle. The participant will be seated comfortably and will remain at rest throughout the session. The vibration settings will be set to an amplitude of 1 mm and a frequency of 100 Hz.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group "5 days and 30 min" | Experimental | Participants will follow a protocol involving local vibration applied to the quadriceps muscle for 5 consecutive days, at a rate of one 30-minute session per day. Receives: Device: Local vibration protocol |
| Group "5 days and 60 min" | Experimental | Participants will follow a protocol involving local vibration applied to the quadriceps muscle for 5 consecutive days, at a rate of one 60-minute session per day. Receives: Device: Local vibration protocol |
| Group "4-weeks and 30 min" | Experimental | Participants will follow a protocol involving local vibration applied to the quadriceps muscle over a period of 4 weeks, with 3 weekly sessions of 30 minutes each, for a total of 12 sessions. Receives: Device: Local vibration protocol |
| Group "4-weeks and 60 min" | Experimental | Participants will follow a protocol involving local vibration applied to the quadriceps muscle over a period of 4 weeks, with 3 weekly sessions of 60 minutes each, for a total of 12 sessions. Receives: Device: Local vibration protocol |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Compare the effect of the duration of a local vibration program (5 days vs 4 weeks), as well as the effect of the duration of the sessions (30 min vs 60 min) on the gain in knee extension strength in healthy volunteers.
The primary endpoint will be the relative change in maximum isometric strength of the knee extensors (expressed as a percentage increased), assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer.
Measured: Five times: before the procedure (baseline); at the end of the procedure (day 21 or day 42 depending on the group); then 1 week (day 28 or day 49), 1 month (day 49 or day 70), and 3 months (day 105 or day 126) after the procedure.
Secondary outcomes (7)
Compare the effect of the duration of a local vibration program (5 days vs 4 weeks), as well as the effect of the duration of the sessions (30 min vs 60 min) on functional motor abilities and, more specifically, maximum voluntary strength
Strength (Nm) will be assessed on an isokinetic dynamometer. Two concentric contraction speeds will be tested: 60°/s and 180°/s (also assessed for the contralateral leg).
Measured: Five times: before the intervention (baseline); at the end of the intervention (day 21 or day 42 depending on the group); then 1 week (day 28 or day 49), 1 month (day 49 or day 70) and 3 months (day 105 or day 126) after the intervention.
Compare the effect of the duration of a local vibration program (5 days vs 4 weeks), as well as the effect of the duration of the sessions (30 min vs 60 min) on functional motor skills and, more specifically, jumping performance.
Jumping performance (height, in cm) will be assessed using validated vertical jump tests: Squat Jump and Counter Movement Jump.
Measured: Five times: before the intervention (baseline); at the end of the intervention (day 21 or day 42 depending on the group); then 1 week (day 28 or day 49), 1 month (day 49 or day 70) and 3 months (day 105 or day 126) after the intervention.
Compare the effect of the duration of a local vibration program (5 days vs 4 weeks), as well as the effect of the duration of the sessions (30 min vs 60 min) on functional motor skills and, more specifically, the rate of force development (RFD)
The RFD (expressed in N/s), an indicator of explosive strength, will be assessed for the knee extensor muscles from the initial phases of isometric contraction on an isokinetic dynamometer.
Measured: Five times: before the intervention (baseline); at the end of the intervention (day 21 or day 42 depending on the group); then 1 week (day 28 or day 49), 1 month (day 49 or day 70) and 3 months (day 105 or day 126) after the intervention.
Compare the effect of the duration of a local vibration program (5 days vs 4 weeks), as well as the effect of the duration of the sessions (30 min vs 60 min) on corticospinal properties and, more specifically, on the level of voluntary activation
The level of voluntary activation (in %) will be determined by the increase in force obtained following electrical nerve stimulation during a maximum voluntary isometric contraction. An electrical stimulator will deliver rectangular electrical pulses (400 V max, pulse duration: 1 ms) to the femoral nerve through the skin.
Measured: Five times: before the intervention (baseline); at the end of the intervention (day 21 or day 42 depending on the group); then 1 week (day 28 or day 49), 1 month (day 49 or day 70) and 3 months (day 105 or day 126) after the intervention.
Compare the effect of the duration of a local vibration program (5 days vs 4 weeks), as well as the effect of the duration of the sessions (30 min vs 60 min) on corticospinal properties and, more specifically, corticospinal excitability.
Cortico-spinal excitability will be assessed using electromyographic responses (motor evoked potentials, in mV) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Measured: Five times: before the intervention (baseline); at the end of the intervention (day 21 or day 42 depending on the group); then 1 week (day 28 or day 49), 1 month (day 49 or day 70) and 3 months (day 105 or day 126) after the intervention.
Compare the effect of the duration of a local vibration program (5 days vs 4 weeks), as well as the effect of the duration of the sessions (30 min vs 60 min) on corticospinal properties and, more specifically, spinal excitability
Spinal excitability (in mV) will be assessed by recording electromyographic responses evoked by electrical stimulation at the femoral nerve and spinal cord (thoracic motor evoked potentials).
Measured: Five times: before the intervention (baseline); at the end of the intervention (day 21 or day 42 depending on the group); then 1 week (day 28 or day 49), 1 month (day 49 or day 70) and 3 months (day 105 or day 126) after the intervention.
Compare the effect of the duration of a local vibration program (5 days vs 4 weeks), as well as the effect of the duration of the sessions (30 min vs 60 min) on corticospinal properties and, more specifically, cortical activation of sensorimotor areas.
Cortical activation of sensorimotor areas will be assessed by recording the electroencephalographic signal during submaximal isometric contractions. A flexible 64-electrode cap will be placed on the subject's head and a gel will be applied to improve signal reception. The signal will be recorded at rest during a 3-minute period of muscle inactivity, then during a 30-minute vibration session.
Measured: Five times: before the intervention (baseline); at the end of the intervention (day 21 or day 42 depending on the group); then 1 week (day 28 or day 49), 1 month (day 49 or day 70) and 3 months (day 105 or day 126) 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 posted15 Jan 2026
- Study start23 Mar 2026
- Primary completion22 Jan 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion22 Jan 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Healthy VolonteersStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint EtienneThe 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
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This is a single-center, randomized, controlled trial comparing four groups of healthy volunteers following a protocol involving local vibration applied to the knee extensor muscles of the dominant leg. Two groups will follow a short-term intervention program consisting of 5 consecutive days of 30 or 60 minutes of vibration (5 sessions), while the other two will benefit from a program spread over 4 weeks at a rate of 3 sessions per week of 30 or 60 minutes of vibration (a total of 12 sessions).
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 72 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Léonard FEASSON, MD, PhD, Principal investigator, CHU de Saint Etienne
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07344298
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 25CH170
- Other IDs
- ANSM
- Acronym
- VIB-EXPRESS
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 7 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 27 Mar 2026
- 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 27 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Less is Better? Effectiveness of a Short Local Vibration Protocol on Neuromuscular Function
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07344298
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- VIB-EXPRESS / 25CH170
- Conditions
- Healthy Volonteers
- Keywords
- neuromuscular function, local vibration protocol, knee extensor
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 72 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint EtienneUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité
- Study start
- 23 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 22 Jan 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 22 Jan 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 15 Jan 2026 (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.
Local vibration is a non-invasive neuromuscular stimulation modality used in training and rehabilitation for its effects on neuromuscular function, particularly its ability to induce nervous adaptations. Its passive application is particularly useful in cases of motor deficit or immobilization.
Several studies, including our own, have shown that vibration protocols over several weeks can induce significant gains in muscle strength, particularly in the knee extensors. However, the parameters of application remain heterogeneous, particularly with regard to the duration of the interventions.
With this in mind, a prospective controlled study is being conducted in healthy subjects, comparing four modalities of local vibration intervention targeting the knee extensors: an intensive vibration protocol over 5 consecutive days (1 session of 30 or 60 minutes per day) and a protocol spread over 4 weeks at a rate of 3 weekly sessions of 30 or 60 minutes). The objective is to evaluate and compare their immediate and delayed effects on force production and corticospinal properties. The results of this study will thus help optimize recommendations regarding the use of local vibration in muscle strengthening and neuromuscular reconditioning strategies.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 4
- Model description
- This is a single-center, randomized, controlled trial comparing four groups of healthy volunteers following a protocol involving local vibration applied to the knee extensor muscles of the dominant leg. Two groups will follow a short-term intervention program consisting of 5 consecutive days of 30 or 60 minutes of vibration (5 sessions), while the other two will benefit from a program spread over 4 weeks at a rate of 3 sessions per week of 30 or 60 minutes of vibration (a total of 12 sessions).
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group "5 days and 30 min" | Experimental | Device: Local vibration protocolParticipants will follow a protocol involving local vibration applied to the quadriceps muscle for 5 consecutive days, at a rate of one 30-minute session per day. |
| Group "5 days and 60 min" | Experimental | Device: Local vibration protocolParticipants will follow a protocol involving local vibration applied to the quadriceps muscle for 5 consecutive days, at a rate of one 60-minute session per day. |
| Group "4-weeks and 30 min" | Experimental | Device: Local vibration protocolParticipants will follow a protocol involving local vibration applied to the quadriceps muscle over a period of 4 weeks, with 3 weekly sessions of 30 minutes each, for a total of 12 sessions. |
| Group "4-weeks and 60 min" | Experimental | Device: Local vibration protocolParticipants will follow a protocol involving local vibration applied to the quadriceps muscle over a period of 4 weeks, with 3 weekly sessions of 60 minutes each, for a total of 12 sessions. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Men and women,
- Aged between 18 and 45,
- With a body mass index between 18 and 30 kg/m²,
- Who have received detailed information about the study and have co-signed the consent form with the investigator,
- Who are affiliated with or entitled to social security coverage.
Key exclusion criteria (13 listed)
- Subjects with chronic cardiovascular, neuromuscular, bone, metabolic, and/or inflammatory conditions,
- Personal history and/or risk factors for thrombosis,
- Subjects undergoing antidepressant treatment,
- Subjects who have taken corticosteroid treatment in the last 3 months,
- Use of neuroactive substances likely to alter corticospinal excitability (hypnotics, antiepileptics, psychotropic drugs, muscle relaxants) during the study period,
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Local vibration protocolAlso: Vibramoov PhysioThe vibrations will be delivered using the Vibramoov Physio device, positioned directly on the quadriceps muscle. The participant will be seated comfortably and will remain at rest throughout the session. The vibration settings will be set to an amplitude of 1 mm and a frequency of 100 Hz. | Device | Group "4-weeks and 30 min", Group "4-weeks and 60 min", Group "5 days and 30 min", Group "5 days and 60 min" |
Primary outcome
Compare the effect of the duration of a local vibration program (5 days vs 4 weeks), as well as the effect of the duration of the sessions (30 min vs 60 min) on the gain in knee extension strength in healthy volunteers.
Time frame: Five times: before the procedure (baseline); at the end of the procedure (day 21 or day 42 depending on the group); then 1 week (day 28 or day 49), 1 month (day 49 or day 70), and 3 months (day 105 or day 126) after the procedure.
The primary endpoint will be the relative change in maximum isometric strength of the knee extensors (expressed as a percentage increased), assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer.
7 secondary outcomes
Compare the effect of the duration of a local vibration program (5 days vs 4 weeks), as well as the effect of the duration of the sessions (30 min vs 60 min) on functional motor abilities and, more specifically, maximum voluntary strength
Time frame: Five times: before the intervention (baseline); at the end of the intervention (day 21 or day 42 depending on the group); then 1 week (day 28 or day 49), 1 month (day 49 or day 70) and 3 months (day 105 or day 126) after the intervention.
Compare the effect of the duration of a local vibration program (5 days vs 4 weeks), as well as the effect of the duration of the sessions (30 min vs 60 min) on functional motor skills and, more specifically, jumping performance.
Time frame: Five times: before the intervention (baseline); at the end of the intervention (day 21 or day 42 depending on the group); then 1 week (day 28 or day 49), 1 month (day 49 or day 70) and 3 months (day 105 or day 126) after the intervention.
Compare the effect of the duration of a local vibration program (5 days vs 4 weeks), as well as the effect of the duration of the sessions (30 min vs 60 min) on functional motor skills and, more specifically, the rate of force development (RFD)
Time frame: Five times: before the intervention (baseline); at the end of the intervention (day 21 or day 42 depending on the group); then 1 week (day 28 or day 49), 1 month (day 49 or day 70) and 3 months (day 105 or day 126) after the intervention.
Compare the effect of the duration of a local vibration program (5 days vs 4 weeks), as well as the effect of the duration of the sessions (30 min vs 60 min) on corticospinal properties and, more specifically, on the level of voluntary activation
Time frame: Five times: before the intervention (baseline); at the end of the intervention (day 21 or day 42 depending on the group); then 1 week (day 28 or day 49), 1 month (day 49 or day 70) and 3 months (day 105 or day 126) after the intervention.
Compare the effect of the duration of a local vibration program (5 days vs 4 weeks), as well as the effect of the duration of the sessions (30 min vs 60 min) on corticospinal properties and, more specifically, corticospinal excitability.
Time frame: Five times: before the intervention (baseline); at the end of the intervention (day 21 or day 42 depending on the group); then 1 week (day 28 or day 49), 1 month (day 49 or day 70) and 3 months (day 105 or day 126) after the intervention.
Compare the effect of the duration of a local vibration program (5 days vs 4 weeks), as well as the effect of the duration of the sessions (30 min vs 60 min) on corticospinal properties and, more specifically, spinal excitability
Time frame: Five times: before the intervention (baseline); at the end of the intervention (day 21 or day 42 depending on the group); then 1 week (day 28 or day 49), 1 month (day 49 or day 70) and 3 months (day 105 or day 126) after the intervention.
Compare the effect of the duration of a local vibration program (5 days vs 4 weeks), as well as the effect of the duration of the sessions (30 min vs 60 min) on corticospinal properties and, more specifically, cortical activation of sensorimotor areas.
Time frame: Five times: before the intervention (baseline); at the end of the intervention (day 21 or day 42 depending on the group); then 1 week (day 28 or day 49), 1 month (day 49 or day 70) and 3 months (day 105 or day 126) after the intervention.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 27 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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.
Thomas LAPOLE, PhD contact
Léonard FEASSON, MD, PhD principal investigator
CHU de Saint Etienne
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Local vibration protocol in people with Healthy Volonteers, run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne at 1 site in France.
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 13 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Mar 2026. 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 France. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Léonard FEASSON, MD, PhD ((0)477120383 ext. +33, leonard.feasson@chu-st-etienne.fr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Compare the effect of the duration of a local vibration program (5 days vs 4 weeks), as well as the effect of the duration of the sessions (30 min vs 60 min) on the gain in knee extension strength in healthy volunteers. (time frame: Five times: before the procedure (baseline); at the end of the procedure (day 21 or day 42 depending on the group); then 1 week (day 28 or day 49), 1 month (day 49 or day 70), and 3 months (day 105 or day 126) after the procedure.). 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 27 Mar 2026.