Roam RollingNCT07759388
Effects of Foam Rolling on Plantar Flexor Recovery in Healthy Individuals
A study testing Foam rolling in people with Roam Rolling and Muscle Recovery, run by Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul at 1 site in Brazil.
Trial summary
Foam rolling (FR) is a self-myofascial release technique that involves using body weight to apply pressure to soft tissues through a foam roller. This technique has been widely used in rehabilitation and physical training settings, aiming at the treatment of myofascial dysfunctions, enhancement of physical… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Roam Rolling, Muscle Recovery
- What is being tested?
- Foam rolling
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 28 participants
- Where
- 1 siteBrazil
- Study dates
- 24 Aug 2026to 8 Oct 2026
- 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 40 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male individuals (aged 18-40 years);
- Who had not engaged in any form of lower limb strength training and;
- Had no prior experience with FR participated in this study.
Who cannot join
- Presence of musculoskeletal injuries in the lower limbs;
- Contraindications for performing maximal tests (including cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal or neurological conditions);
- Engagement in high-intensity physical activity within 72 hours prior to assessments;
- Current usage of dietary or anabolic supplements.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Brazil1 site
Esefid/Ufrgs
Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90690-200
ESEFID ESEFID/UFRGS, (51) 3308-5834, esef@esef.ufrgs.br
About this study
Official title: Effects of Foam Rolling Application on the Recovery of Musculotendinous Properties and Functional Parameters of Plantar Flexors in Healthy Individuals
Foam rolling (FR) is a self-myofascial release technique that involves using body weight to apply pressure to soft tissues through a foam roller. This technique has been widely used in rehabilitation and physical training settings, aiming at the treatment of myofascial dysfunctions, enhancement of physical performance, and recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). EIMD occurs following the performance of intense exercise, resulting in increased muscle stiffness and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), as well as reductions in force production and range of motion (ROM).
However, few studies have investigated the effects of FR on the recovery of musculotendinous and functional properties. Although there is evidence suggesting a reduction in muscle stiffness, this finding does not appear to be consistent across the literature. Furthermore, no studies have been identified that evaluated the effects of FR on the recovery of fascial and tendinous tissues. Regarding functional properties, although FR application may promote improved recovery of DOMS, ROM, vertical jump performance, and muscle strength, contradictory findings have been reported.
Read more
Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of FR on the recovery of musculotendinous and functional properties of plantar flexors in healthy individuals. A total of 69 healthy male participants, aged between 18 and 40 years, will be included in the study. Participants will undergo an EIMD protocol using an isokinetic dynamometer and will be randomly assigned to either the FR (self-myofascial release with FR: 3 sets of 30 s) or a control group (CON; rest for 90 s).
The mechanical properties of the myofascial tissues of the triceps surae and the Achilles tendon (AT) will be assessed using shear wave elastography, while echo intensity (EI) of the triceps surae will be obtained through grayscale analysis of ultrasound (US) images. DOMS will be assessed using a visual analog scale. Maximum dorsiflexion ROM, peak torque production (isometric and isokinetic), and rate of torque development of the plantar flexors will be evaluated using the isokinetic dynamometer. Drop jump performance will be assessed using a force platform.
Ultrasound imaging will also be used to determine cross-sectional area, resting length, and deformation of the AT during maximal voluntary isometric contractions. Based on these data, force-deformation and stress-strain relationships of the AT will be determined.
Assessments will be conducted before (Pre-1 and Pre-EIMD), immediately after the EIMD protocol (Post-EIMD), and at 24 h (Post-24h), 48 h (Post-48h), and 72 h (Post-72h) following the interventions (FR or CON). Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and standard error) will be used to present the results. Reliability of US measurements, as well as data normality and sphericity, will be assessed. A two-way ANOVA (group × time) will be used for comparisons, followed by Bonferroni post hoc tests to identify differences. Additionally, effect sizes will be calculated for each intervention, and correlation analyses will be performed to examine the influence of adipose tissue thickness on the evaluated parameters.
- Conditions
- Roam Rolling, Muscle Recovery
- Being tested
- Foam rolling
- Keywords
- Self-massage, foam rolling, Plantar flexors, muscle damage, muscle recovery, ultrassound
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Foam rollingOther
Participants will undergo an exercise Induced muscle damage protocol (4 sets of 25 maximal eccentric contractions) using an isokinetic dynamometer and will be assigned to the Foam Rolling (FR) group (self-myofascial release with FR: 3 sets of 30 s).
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Control | No intervention | Not described |
| Foam rolling | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Foam rolling |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) assessed by the 10cm visual analog scale (VAS)
Measured: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.
Maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC)
Measured: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.
Secondary outcomes (7)
Range of motion (ROM)
Measured: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.
Torque (concentric and eccentric)
Measured: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.
Single-leg drop jump height
Measured: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.
echo intensity (EI)
Measured: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.
pennation angle (PA)
Measured: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.
Plantar flexors' Muscle Thickness (MT) assessed by ultrasound imaging
Measured: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.
Plantar flexors' stiffness assessed by shear wave elastography
Measured: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted12 Aug 2026
- Study start24 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion8 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion8 Oct 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Roam RollingStudies 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
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior.
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Jeam Marcel Geremia, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07759388
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 54493621.1.0000.5347
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 14 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 12 Aug 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 12 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Foam Rolling Application on the Recovery of Musculotendinous Properties and Functional Parameters of Plantar Flexors in Healthy Individuals
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07759388
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 54493621.1.0000.5347
- Conditions
- Roam Rolling, Muscle Recovery
- Keywords
- Self-massage, foam rolling, Plantar flexors, muscle damage, muscle recovery, ultrassound
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Federal University of Rio Grande do SulUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior.
- Study start
- 24 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 8 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 8 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 12 Aug 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.
Foam rolling (FR) is a self-myofascial release technique that involves using body weight to apply pressure to soft tissues through a foam roller. This technique has been widely used in rehabilitation and physical training settings, aiming at the treatment of myofascial dysfunctions, enhancement of physical performance, and recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). EIMD occurs following the performance of intense exercise, resulting in increased muscle stiffness and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), as well as reductions in force production and range of motion (ROM).
However, few studies have investigated the effects of FR on the recovery of musculotendinous and functional properties. Although there is evidence suggesting a reduction in muscle stiffness, this finding does not appear to be consistent across the literature. Furthermore, no studies have been identified that evaluated the effects of FR on the recovery of fascial and tendinous tissues. Regarding functional properties, although FR application may promote improved recovery of DOMS, ROM, vertical jump performance, and muscle strength, contradictory findings have been reported.
Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of FR on the recovery of musculotendinous and functional properties of plantar flexors in healthy individuals. A total of 69 healthy male participants, aged between 18 and 40 years, will be included in the study. Participants will undergo an EIMD protocol using an isokinetic dynamometer and will be randomly assigned to either the FR (self-myofascial release with FR: 3 sets of 30 s) or a control group (CON; rest for 90 s).
The mechanical properties of the myofascial tissues of the triceps surae and the Achilles tendon (AT) will be assessed using shear wave elastography, while echo intensity (EI) of the triceps surae will be obtained through grayscale analysis of ultrasound (US) images. DOMS will be assessed using a visual analog scale. Maximum dorsiflexion ROM, peak torque production (isometric and isokinetic), and rate of torque development of the plantar flexors will be evaluated using the isokinetic dynamometer. Drop jump performance will be assessed using a force platform.
Ultrasound imaging will also be used to determine cross-sectional area, resting length, and deformation of the AT during maximal voluntary isometric contractions. Based on these data, force-deformation and stress-strain relationships of the AT will be determined.
Assessments will be conducted before (Pre-1 and Pre-EIMD), immediately after the EIMD protocol (Post-EIMD), and at 24 h (Post-24h), 48 h (Post-48h), and 72 h (Post-72h) following the interventions (FR or CON). Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and standard error) will be used to present the results. Reliability of US measurements, as well as data normality and sphericity, will be assessed. A two-way ANOVA (group × time) will be used for comparisons, followed by Bonferroni post hoc tests to identify differences. Additionally, effect sizes will be calculated for each intervention, and correlation analyses will be performed to examine the influence of adipose tissue thickness on the evaluated parameters.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Control | No intervention | – |
| Foam rolling | Experimental | Other: Foam rolling |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Male individuals (aged 18-40 years);
- Who had not engaged in any form of lower limb strength training and;
- Had no prior experience with FR participated in this study.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Presence of musculoskeletal injuries in the lower limbs;
- Contraindications for performing maximal tests (including cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal or neurological conditions);
- Engagement in high-intensity physical activity within 72 hours prior to assessments;
- Current usage of dietary or anabolic supplements.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Foam rollingParticipants will undergo an exercise Induced muscle damage protocol (4 sets of 25 maximal eccentric contractions) using an isokinetic dynamometer and will be assigned to the Foam Rolling (FR) group (self-myofascial release with FR: 3 sets of 30 s). | Other | Foam rolling |
Primary outcome
delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) assessed by the 10cm visual analog scale (VAS)
Time frame: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.
Maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC)
Time frame: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.
7 secondary outcomes
Range of motion (ROM)
Time frame: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.
Torque (concentric and eccentric)
Time frame: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.
Single-leg drop jump height
Time frame: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.
echo intensity (EI)
Time frame: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.
pennation angle (PA)
Time frame: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.
Plantar flexors' Muscle Thickness (MT) assessed by ultrasound imaging
Time frame: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.
Plantar flexors' stiffness assessed by shear wave elastography
Time frame: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.
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 12 Aug 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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Foam rolling in people with Roam Rolling and Muscle Recovery, run by Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul at 1 site in Brazil.
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 3 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Aug 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 Brazil. 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 Jeam M Geremia, Professor (+55 51 9316-6603, jeam.geremia@ufrgs.br), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) assessed by the 10cm visual analog scale (VAS) (time frame: Baseline (before the muscle damage protocol), immediately after the muscle damage protocol, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after the muscle damage protocol.). 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?
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 12 Aug 2026.