Fatigue RecoveryNCT07580313
Vibrational Percussion Massage Improves Rectus Femoris Mechanical Properties and Sports Performance in Physically Active Adults
A study testing Vibrational percussion massage in people with Fatigue Recovery and Sport Performance, run by National Cheng Kung University at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if vibrational percussion massage (VPM) improves rectus femoris mechanical properties and sports performance after muscle fatigue in physically active adults. It will also examine the immediate effects of VPM on muscle function and recovery. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 60 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Fatigue Recovery, Sport Performance, Muscle
- What is being tested?
- Vibrational percussion massage
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 26 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 12 Aug 2022to 31 Jan 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 60 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Healthy indiciduals aged between 20 to 60 years old.
Who cannot join
- History of spinal or lower extremity surgery
- Current musculoskeletal pain interfering with daily activities
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Presence of cardiopulmonary disorders
- Scoliosis or other musculoskeletal deformities
- Inability to complete the fatigued protocol
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Vibrational Percussion Massage on Mechanical Properties of Rectus Femoris and Sports Performance in Physically Active Adults
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if vibrational percussion massage (VPM) improves rectus femoris mechanical properties and sports performance after muscle fatigue in physically active adults. It will also examine the immediate effects of VPM on muscle function and recovery.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Read more
- Does VPM improve the mechanical properties of the rectus femoris muscle after fatigue?
- Does VPM improve knee extensor strength and triple-hop performance after fatigue?
Researchers will compare measurements obtained before fatigue, after fatigue, and after a VPM intervention to evaluate the effects of VPM on muscle recovery and sports performance.
Participants will:
- Perform a fatigue protocol targeting the lower extremity muscles.
- Receive a 5-minute VPM intervention after the fatigue protocol.
- Complete assessments of rectus femoris mechanical properties using a myotonemeter.
- Perform maximal isometric knee extensor strength and triple-hop distance tests at three time points: before fatigue, after fatigue, and after VPM intervention.
- Conditions
- Fatigue Recovery, Sport Performance, Muscle, MyotonPRO
- Being tested
- Vibrational percussion massage
- Keywords
- Fatigue, Sprots performance, Muscle mechanical properties, Myotonometry, Vibrational percussion massage
- Medical subject headings
- Fatigue
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Vibrational percussion massageDevice
Participants will receive a 5-minute vibrational percussion massage (VPM) intervention applied to the right rectus femoris muscle using a handheld percussion massage device (Hypervolt, Hyperice, California, United States) with a spherical massage head at a fixed frequency of 53 Hz. The intervention will be administered by a trained physical therapist with the device applied perpendicularly to the treatment area. Two treatment locations on the rectus femoris muscle, including the midpoint and lower one-third of the muscle, will each receive 2.5 minutes of non-stroking stimulation. During the intervention, participants will lie in a supine position with both lower extremities fully relaxed and extended.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Physically active adults | Experimental | Not described Receives: Device: Vibrational percussion massage |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Muscle tension of the rectus femoris measured by myotonometry (Hz)
Muscle tension represents the resting tone of the rectus femoris muscle, quantified by oscillation frequency. Higher values indicate greater resting muscle tension.
Measured: Assessed at baseline, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and immediately after the 5-minute vibrational percussion massage intervention.
Muscle stiffness of the rectus femoris measured by myotonometry (N/m)
Dynamic stiffness represents the resistance of the rectus femoris muscle to external deformation, with higher values indicating greater muscle stiffness and lower tissue compliance.
Measured: Assessed at baseline, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and immediately after the 5-minute vibrational percussion massage intervention.
Muscle elasticity of the rectus femoris measured by myotonometry (logarithmic decrement)
Muscle elasticity represents the ability of the rectus femoris muscle to restore its original shape after deformation. Lower values indicate better elasticity and lower energy dissipation.
Measured: Assessed at baseline, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and immediately after the 5-minute vibrational percussion massage intervention.
Mechanical stress relaxation time of the rectus femoris measured by myotonometry (ms)
Mechanical stress relaxation time represents the time required for the rectus femoris muscle to recover from deformation after an external mechanical impulse. Longer values indicate more compliant (softer) tissue, whereas shorter values indicate increased muscle stiffness.
Measured: Assessed at baseline, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and immediately after the 5-minute vibrational percussion massage intervention.
Creep of the rectus femoris measured by myotonometry (ratio)
Creep represents the viscoelastic deformation of the rectus femoris muscle under a constant mechanical load. Higher values indicate greater tissue elongation capacity and viscoelastic deformation, whereas lower values suggest reduced compliance.
Measured: Assessed at baseline, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and immediately after the 5-minute vibrational percussion massage intervention.
Secondary outcomes (2)
Maximal isometric knee extensor strength measured by handheld dynamometry (N)
Maximal isometric knee extensor strength was assessed using a handheld dynamometer. Participants performed a 6-second maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the knee extensors in a seated position, and the peak force was recorded. Three trials were performed and averaged for analysis.
Measured: Assessed at baseline, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and immediately after the 5-minute vibrational percussion massage intervention.
Triple-hop distance test (m)
The triple-hop test was used to assess functional lower-limb performance. Participants performed three consecutive maximal forward hops on the same limb and were required to maintain balance for 3 seconds after the final landing. The total hopping distance from the starting line to the final landing position was measured. Three trials were performed and averaged for analysis.
Measured: Assessed at baseline, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and immediately after the 5-minute vibrational percussion massage intervention.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted12 May 2026
- Study start12 Aug 2022
- Primary completion31 Jan 2024
- Study completion31 Jan 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Fatigue RecoveryStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 26 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- National Cheng Kung University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, YI-JU TSAI, National Cheng Kung University
- Investigators
- Yi-Ju Tsai, PhD, Principal investigator, National Cheng Kung University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07580313
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- VPM_Fatigue
- Status last verified
- Jul 2022
- First submitted
- 6 May 2026
- Last updated
- 19 May 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 19 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Vibrational Percussion Massage on Mechanical Properties of Rectus Femoris and Sports Performance in Physically Active Adults
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07580313
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- VPM_Fatigue
- Conditions
- Fatigue Recovery, Sport Performance, Muscle, MyotonPRO
- Keywords
- Fatigue, Sprots performance, Muscle mechanical properties, Myotonometry, Vibrational percussion massage
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 26 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- National Cheng Kung UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 12 Aug 2022 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jan 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Jan 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 12 May 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.
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if vibrational percussion massage (VPM) improves rectus femoris mechanical properties and sports performance after muscle fatigue in physically active adults. It will also examine the immediate effects of VPM on muscle function and recovery.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does VPM improve the mechanical properties of the rectus femoris muscle after fatigue?
- Does VPM improve knee extensor strength and triple-hop performance after fatigue?
Researchers will compare measurements obtained before fatigue, after fatigue, and after a VPM intervention to evaluate the effects of VPM on muscle recovery and sports performance.
Participants will:
- Perform a fatigue protocol targeting the lower extremity muscles.
- Receive a 5-minute VPM intervention after the fatigue protocol.
- Complete assessments of rectus femoris mechanical properties using a myotonemeter.
- Perform maximal isometric knee extensor strength and triple-hop distance tests at three time points: before fatigue, after fatigue, and after VPM intervention.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Physically active adults | Experimental | Device: Vibrational percussion massage |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Healthy indiciduals aged between 20 to 60 years old.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- History of spinal or lower extremity surgery
- Current musculoskeletal pain interfering with daily activities
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Presence of cardiopulmonary disorders
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vibrational percussion massageParticipants will receive a 5-minute vibrational percussion massage (VPM) intervention applied to the right rectus femoris muscle using a handheld percussion massage device (Hypervolt, Hyperice, California, United States) with a spherical massage head at a fixed frequency of 53 Hz. The intervention will be administered by a trained physical therapist with the device applied perpendicularly to the treatment area. Two treatment locations on the rectus femoris muscle, including the midpoint and lower one-third of the muscle, will each receive 2.5 minutes of non-stroking stimulation. During the intervention, participants will lie in a supine position with both lower extremities fully relaxed and extended. | Device | Physically active adults |
Primary outcome
Muscle tension of the rectus femoris measured by myotonometry (Hz)
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and immediately after the 5-minute vibrational percussion massage intervention.
Muscle tension represents the resting tone of the rectus femoris muscle, quantified by oscillation frequency. Higher values indicate greater resting muscle tension.
Muscle stiffness of the rectus femoris measured by myotonometry (N/m)
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and immediately after the 5-minute vibrational percussion massage intervention.
Dynamic stiffness represents the resistance of the rectus femoris muscle to external deformation, with higher values indicating greater muscle stiffness and lower tissue compliance.
Muscle elasticity of the rectus femoris measured by myotonometry (logarithmic decrement)
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and immediately after the 5-minute vibrational percussion massage intervention.
Muscle elasticity represents the ability of the rectus femoris muscle to restore its original shape after deformation. Lower values indicate better elasticity and lower energy dissipation.
Mechanical stress relaxation time of the rectus femoris measured by myotonometry (ms)
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and immediately after the 5-minute vibrational percussion massage intervention.
Mechanical stress relaxation time represents the time required for the rectus femoris muscle to recover from deformation after an external mechanical impulse. Longer values indicate more compliant (softer) tissue, whereas shorter values indicate increased muscle stiffness.
Creep of the rectus femoris measured by myotonometry (ratio)
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and immediately after the 5-minute vibrational percussion massage intervention.
Creep represents the viscoelastic deformation of the rectus femoris muscle under a constant mechanical load. Higher values indicate greater tissue elongation capacity and viscoelastic deformation, whereas lower values suggest reduced compliance.
2 secondary outcomes
Maximal isometric knee extensor strength measured by handheld dynamometry (N)
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and immediately after the 5-minute vibrational percussion massage intervention.
Triple-hop distance test (m)
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and immediately after the 5-minute vibrational percussion massage 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 19 May 2026.
- 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.
Yi-Ju Tsai, PhD principal investigator
National Cheng Kung 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 Vibrational percussion massage in people with Fatigue Recovery and Sport Performance, run by National Cheng Kung University at 1 site in Taiwan.
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 7 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 May 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 Taiwan. 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?
Muscle tension of the rectus femoris measured by myotonometry (Hz) (time frame: Assessed at baseline, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and immediately after the 5-minute vibrational percussion massage intervention.). The study lists 5 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 May 2026.