Heart Rate ControlHRV-HANDBAllNCT07648966
Recovery of Heart Rate Variability in Handball Players
A study testing Manul Massage (MM) and Foam Rolling (FR) in people with Heart Rate Control and Recovery Following Exercise, run by Uludag University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study aimed to compare the acute effects of manual massage (MM) and foam rolling (FR) on heart rate variability (HRV) following a 20 m shuttle run test (20m-SRT) in elite male handball players. It was hypothesized that MM and FR would produce differential acute effects on HRV responses during Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 17 to 30 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Heart Rate Control, Recovery Following Exercise
- What is being tested?
- Manul Massage (MM) and Foam Rolling (FR)
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 15 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 May 2025to 31 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 17 to 30 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male handball players competing in the Turkish Handball Super League
- At least 5 years of regular handball training experience
- Participation in at least 10 official matches during the previous 12 months
- Minimum 1 year of playing experience in the Turkish Handball Super League
- No injury resulting in an interruption of training or competition for more than 2 weeks during the previous 6 months
- No use of stimulants, ergogenic aids, or prohibited performance-enhancing substances
Who cannot join
- Current musculoskeletal injury or pain affecting training or match participation
- History of surgery to the lower or upper extremities within the previous 12 months
- Presence of cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic disorders
- Use of medications that may affect physical performance or neuromuscular function
- Inability to complete the study procedures or testing protocol
- Withdrawal of informed consent
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Bursa uludag University, Faculty of Sport Sciences
Bursa, 16059
About this study
Official title: Effects of Manual Massage and Foam Rolling on Heart Rate Variability Following 20m-Shuttle Run Test in Elite Male Handball Players
This study aimed to compare the acute effects of manual massage (MM) and foam rolling (FR) on heart rate variability (HRV) following a 20 m shuttle run test (20m-SRT) in elite male handball players. It was hypothesized that MM and FR would produce differential acute effects on HRV responses during
Read the detailed description
The aim of present study was to compare the acute effects of manual massage (MM) and foam rolling (FR) on time-domain and frequency-domain HRV parameters following a 20 m shuttle run test (20m-SRT) in elite male handball players. It was hypothesized that MM and FR would produce differential acute effects on HRV responses during. Fifteen elite male handball players voluntarilly participated in present study.
The research utilized a randomized cross-over design. All participants provided written informed consent after being briefed about the aims, procedures, benefits, and risks. Study was conducted in three sessions in onwe week. Fırst session is familiarization, other two sessions are experimental: MM and FR sessions. Participants were instructed to maintain their normal diet, refrain from intense exercise for at least 48 hours before study sessions, avoid alcohol and caffeine intake for 24 hours prior, and consume their last meal at least 3 hours before sessions. In familiarization session, subjects fulfilled Exercise Readiness Questionnaire (EGZ+), measured body composition, after warm-up 20m-SRT, and recovery interventions (MM and FR). Before warm-up - pre-test, during 20-m shuttle run test - test and after recovery - post-test HRV were recorded. In experimental session, after the 20 min standard warm-up including jogging, jumping and stretching volunteers performed 20m-SRT and immediately one of two different recovery interventions. Recovery interventions are MM and FR applied on the lower extremities. All procedures were conducted at the same time of day (14:00-16:00) to minimize circadian rhythm effects. To determine differences in HRV and heart rate across recovery methods and time points, a Two Way Repeated Measures ANOVA was used: 2 Intervention (MM and FR) × 3 Time (Pre-test, Test, Post-test). Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons performed to identify differences between specific time points and interventions.
- Conditions
- Heart Rate Control, Recovery Following Exercise
- Being tested
- Manul Massage (MM), Foam Rolling (FR)
- Keywords
- recovery, foam rolling, manual massage, handball, autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Manul Massage (MM)Other
MM protocol employed Swedish massage techniques (Hemmings, 2001; Tessier, 2005), including effleurage (light stroking), friction, petrissage (kneading and rolling), vibration and tapotement (light percussion). Massage was applied for 20 minutes total, distributed as: 10 minutes on the right and 10 minutes on the left lower extremity. Posterior lower-extremity massage included the gluteal region, posterior thigh, and calf muscles. Anterior lower-extremity massage included only the quadriceps. Applications were performed from distal to proximal direction using baby oil by certified masseur. Anterior leg massage in a supine position and posterior leg massage in a prone position was applied
Foam Rolling (FR)Other
A medium density, grid structured foam roller (Blackroll Standard, 33×15×14 cm, PVC polypropylene, Bottighofen, Switzerland) was used. Participants performed self-myofascial release by placing the lower extremities on the foam roller and rolling forward and backward to relax fascia surrounding the muscle with medium pressure. Total duration of FR lasted 20 minutes: 10 minutes left and 10 minutes right lower extremity. Rolling was performed at a controlled cadence (~30 cycles/min) guided by a metronome with moderate pressure.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Massage (MM) | Experimental | After the 20 minute standard warm-up including jogging, jumping and stretching participant performed 20 m Shuttle Run Test (20m-SRT), subsequently legs Manual Massage (MM) recovery intervention lasted 20 minutes. Before warm-up, during 20m-SRT and MM HRV was recorded. Receives: Other: Manul Massage (MM) |
| Foam Rolling (FR) | Experimental | After the 20 minute standard warm-up including jogging, jumping and stretching participant performed 20 m Shuttle Run Test (20m-SRT), subsequently legs Foam Rolling (FR) recovery intervention lasted 20 minutes. Before warm-up, during 20m-SRT and FR HRV was recorded. Receives: Other: Foam Rolling (FR) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
HRV was recorded by Polar V800 (Polar Electro, Kempele, Finland) heart rate monitor and chest strap of Polar H10 transmitter. HRV time-domain (RR, RMSSD, SDNN) and frequency-domain (VLF, LF, HF) markers and heart rate (HR) were recorded and transferred in Polar Flow. Data set normalized by adopting artefact methodology using Kubios HRV Scientific (Tarvainen et al., 2014). Power values were calculated in normalized units (n.u.). HRV recordings were obtained during three phases: pre exercise (10 min supine rest), during exercise and post exercise recovery phases (10 min supine rest. Participants were instructed to maintain spontaneous but stable breathing during recordings.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 60 minutes
20 m Shuttle Run Test (VO2max)
20m-SRT was administered following the protocol of Leger and Lambert (1982). The running pace was controlled by "beep test" audio signals. The test started at a speed of 8.5 km·h-¹, increasing by 0.5 km·h-¹ every minute. Participants were required to cover 20 m at each signal. The test ended when a participant failed to complete the 20 m distance three consecutive times. Estimated VO2max values were calculated using the Leger et al. (1988) formula.
Measured: After warm-up 20m-SRT lasted approximately 12-15 minute
Secondary outcomes (4)
Height
Standing height was measured with a SECA 216 digital stadiometer with a precision of 0.01 m.
Measured: 1 minute during familiarisation session
Weight
Body weight (kg) were measured using a TANITA BC 418MA Segmental Body Composition Analyzer (±0.50 kg accuracy).
Measured: 1 minute during familiarisation session
Total Body Fat
Total body fat (%) were measured using a TANITA BC 418MA Segmental Body Composition Analyzer (±0.50 kg accuracy).
Measured: 1 minute during familiarisation session
Body Mass Index
Weight and height will be combined to report BMI in kg/m^2
Measured: 1 minute during familiarisation session
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Jun 2026
- Study start1 May 2025
- Primary completion30 Jun 2025
- Study completion31 Jul 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (6)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Heart Rate ControlStudies 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
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- Study was conducted in three sessions in one week. Fırst session is familiarization, other two sessions are experimental: manual massage (MM) and Foam Rolling (FR) sessions.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 15 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Uludag University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ramiz ARABACI, Uludag University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07648966
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2023-20/71014
- Acronym
- HRV-HANDBAll
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 3 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: only IPD used in the results publication
Publications
Yoshimura A, Sekine Y, Schleip R, Furusyo A, Yamazaki K, Inami T, Murayama M, Hirose N. The acute mechanism of the self-massage-induced effects of using a foam roller. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Jul;27:103-112. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.02.012. Epub 2021 Mar 4.
PubMed 34391221Wang W, Shao M, Du W, Xu Y. Impact of exhaustive exercise on autonomic nervous system activity: insights from HRV analysis. Front Physiol. 2024 Dec 3;15:1462082. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1462082. eCollection 2024.
PubMed 39691095Wagner H, Finkenzeller T, Wurth S, von Duvillard SP. Individual and team performance in team-handball: a review. J Sports Sci Med. 2014 Dec 1;13(4):808-16. eCollection 2014 Dec.
PubMed 25435773Rey E, Padron-Cabo A, Costa PB, Barcala-Furelos R. Effects of Foam Rolling as a Recovery Tool in Professional Soccer Players. J Strength Cond Res. 2019 Aug;33(8):2194-2201. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002277.
PubMed 29016479Kaikkonen P, Rusko H, Martinmaki K. Post-exercise heart rate variability of endurance athletes after different high-intensity exercise interventions. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2008 Aug;18(4):511-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2007.00728.x. Epub 2007 Dec 7.
PubMed 18067516Bechke E, Kliszczewicz B, McLester C, Tillman M, Esco M, Lopez R. An examination of single day vs. multi-day heart rate variability and its relationship to heart rate recovery following maximal aerobic exercise in females. Sci Rep. 2020 Sep 8;10(1):14760. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-71747-8.
PubMed 32901083
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Manual Massage and Foam Rolling on Heart Rate Variability Following 20m-Shuttle Run Test in Elite Male Handball Players
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07648966
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- HRV-HANDBAll / 2023-20/71014
- Conditions
- Heart Rate Control, Recovery Following Exercise
- Keywords
- recovery, foam rolling, manual massage, handball, autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 15 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Uludag UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 May 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Jul 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 15 Jun 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.
This study aimed to compare the acute effects of manual massage (MM) and foam rolling (FR) on heart rate variability (HRV) following a 20 m shuttle run test (20m-SRT) in elite male handball players. It was hypothesized that MM and FR would produce differential acute effects on HRV responses during
Detailed description
The aim of present study was to compare the acute effects of manual massage (MM) and foam rolling (FR) on time-domain and frequency-domain HRV parameters following a 20 m shuttle run test (20m-SRT) in elite male handball players. It was hypothesized that MM and FR would produce differential acute effects on HRV responses during. Fifteen elite male handball players voluntarilly participated in present study.
The research utilized a randomized cross-over design. All participants provided written informed consent after being briefed about the aims, procedures, benefits, and risks. Study was conducted in three sessions in onwe week. Fırst session is familiarization, other two sessions are experimental: MM and FR sessions. Participants were instructed to maintain their normal diet, refrain from intense exercise for at least 48 hours before study sessions, avoid alcohol and caffeine intake for 24 hours prior, and consume their last meal at least 3 hours before sessions. In familiarization session, subjects fulfilled Exercise Readiness Questionnaire (EGZ+), measured body composition, after warm-up 20m-SRT, and recovery interventions (MM and FR). Before warm-up - pre-test, during 20-m shuttle run test - test and after recovery - post-test HRV were recorded. In experimental session, after the 20 min standard warm-up including jogging, jumping and stretching volunteers performed 20m-SRT and immediately one of two different recovery interventions. Recovery interventions are MM and FR applied on the lower extremities. All procedures were conducted at the same time of day (14:00-16:00) to minimize circadian rhythm effects. To determine differences in HRV and heart rate across recovery methods and time points, a Two Way Repeated Measures ANOVA was used: 2 Intervention (MM and FR) × 3 Time (Pre-test, Test, Post-test). Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons performed to identify differences between specific time points and interventions.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Study was conducted in three sessions in one week. Fırst session is familiarization, other two sessions are experimental: manual massage (MM) and Foam Rolling (FR) sessions.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Massage (MM) | Experimental | Other: Manul Massage (MM)After the 20 minute standard warm-up including jogging, jumping and stretching participant performed 20 m Shuttle Run Test (20m-SRT), subsequently legs Manual Massage (MM) recovery intervention lasted 20 minutes. Before warm-up, during 20m-SRT and MM HRV was recorded. |
| Foam Rolling (FR) | Experimental | Other: Foam Rolling (FR)After the 20 minute standard warm-up including jogging, jumping and stretching participant performed 20 m Shuttle Run Test (20m-SRT), subsequently legs Foam Rolling (FR) recovery intervention lasted 20 minutes. Before warm-up, during 20m-SRT and FR HRV was recorded. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 17 to 30 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Male handball players competing in the Turkish Handball Super League
- At least 5 years of regular handball training experience
- Participation in at least 10 official matches during the previous 12 months
- Minimum 1 year of playing experience in the Turkish Handball Super League
- No injury resulting in an interruption of training or competition for more than 2 weeks during the previous 6 months
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Current musculoskeletal injury or pain affecting training or match participation
- History of surgery to the lower or upper extremities within the previous 12 months
- Presence of cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic disorders
- Use of medications that may affect physical performance or neuromuscular function
- Inability to complete the study procedures or testing protocol
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Manul Massage (MM)MM protocol employed Swedish massage techniques (Hemmings, 2001; Tessier, 2005), including effleurage (light stroking), friction, petrissage (kneading and rolling), vibration and tapotement (light percussion). Massage was applied for 20 minutes total, distributed as: 10 minutes on the right and 10 minutes on the left lower extremity. Posterior lower-extremity massage included the gluteal region, posterior thigh, and calf muscles. Anterior lower-extremity massage included only the quadriceps. Applications were performed from distal to proximal direction using baby oil by certified masseur. Anterior leg massage in a supine position and posterior leg massage in a prone position was applied | Other | Manual Massage (MM) |
| Foam Rolling (FR)A medium density, grid structured foam roller (Blackroll Standard, 33×15×14 cm, PVC polypropylene, Bottighofen, Switzerland) was used. Participants performed self-myofascial release by placing the lower extremities on the foam roller and rolling forward and backward to relax fascia surrounding the muscle with medium pressure. Total duration of FR lasted 20 minutes: 10 minutes left and 10 minutes right lower extremity. Rolling was performed at a controlled cadence (~30 cycles/min) guided by a metronome with moderate pressure. | Other | Foam Rolling (FR) |
Primary outcome
Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 60 minutes
HRV was recorded by Polar V800 (Polar Electro, Kempele, Finland) heart rate monitor and chest strap of Polar H10 transmitter. HRV time-domain (RR, RMSSD, SDNN) and frequency-domain (VLF, LF, HF) markers and heart rate (HR) were recorded and transferred in Polar Flow. Data set normalized by adopting artefact methodology using Kubios HRV Scientific (Tarvainen et al., 2014). Power values were calculated in normalized units (n.u.). HRV recordings were obtained during three phases: pre exercise (10 min supine rest), during exercise and post exercise recovery phases (10 min supine rest. Participants were instructed to maintain spontaneous but stable breathing during recordings.
20 m Shuttle Run Test (VO2max)
Time frame: After warm-up 20m-SRT lasted approximately 12-15 minute
20m-SRT was administered following the protocol of Leger and Lambert (1982). The running pace was controlled by "beep test" audio signals. The test started at a speed of 8.5 km·h-¹, increasing by 0.5 km·h-¹ every minute. Participants were required to cover 20 m at each signal. The test ended when a participant failed to complete the 20 m distance three consecutive times. Estimated VO2max values were calculated using the Leger et al. (1988) formula.
4 secondary outcomes
Height
Time frame: 1 minute during familiarisation session
Weight
Time frame: 1 minute during familiarisation session
Total Body Fat
Time frame: 1 minute during familiarisation session
Body Mass Index
Time frame: 1 minute during familiarisation session
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 2 Sep 2026.
- Background: PubMed 34391221Yoshimura A, Sekine Y, Schleip R, Furusyo A, Yamazaki K, Inami T, Murayama M, Hirose N. The acute mechanism of the self-massage-induced effects of using a foam roller. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Jul;27:103-112. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.02.012. Epub 2021 Mar 4.
- Background: PubMed 39691095Wang W, Shao M, Du W, Xu Y. Impact of exhaustive exercise on autonomic nervous system activity: insights from HRV analysis. Front Physiol. 2024 Dec 3;15:1462082. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1462082. eCollection 2024.
- Background: PubMed 25435773Wagner H, Finkenzeller T, Wurth S, von Duvillard SP. Individual and team performance in team-handball: a review. J Sports Sci Med. 2014 Dec 1;13(4):808-16. eCollection 2014 Dec.
- Background: PubMed 29016479Rey E, Padron-Cabo A, Costa PB, Barcala-Furelos R. Effects of Foam Rolling as a Recovery Tool in Professional Soccer Players. J Strength Cond Res. 2019 Aug;33(8):2194-2201. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002277.
- Background: PubMed 18067516Kaikkonen P, Rusko H, Martinmaki K. Post-exercise heart rate variability of endurance athletes after different high-intensity exercise interventions. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2008 Aug;18(4):511-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2007.00728.x. Epub 2007 Dec 7.
- Background: PubMed 32901083Bechke E, Kliszczewicz B, McLester C, Tillman M, Esco M, Lopez R. An examination of single day vs. multi-day heart rate variability and its relationship to heart rate recovery following maximal aerobic exercise in females. Sci Rep. 2020 Sep 8;10(1):14760. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-71747-8.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. only IPD used in the results publication
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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 Manul Massage (MM) and Foam Rolling (FR) in people with Heart Rate Control and Recovery Following Exercise, run by Uludag 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 6 inclusion and 6 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 2 Sep 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 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?
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) (time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 60 minutes). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. 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 NCT07648966, which also lists 6 linked publications.
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 2 Sep 2026.