Foam Roller Compared to Massage on Reducing Calf Muscle Tone in Healthy Subjects
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorUniversidad Europea de Madrid
About this trial
Objective: This study aims to compare the effects of two techniques-foam rolling (FR) and therapeutic massage-on reducing the muscle tone in the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) of healthy individuals.
Methods: A randomized, controlled crossover design was used with 40 healthy participants (aged 18-45). Participants were randomly assigned to either a foam roller or a therapeutic massage group. The interventions were applied to the dominant leg, and muscle tone was measured pre- and post-intervention using a MyotonPro device. The primary outcome was muscle tone (Hz), and secondary outcomes included muscle stiffness (N/m) and elasticity (D \[log\]).
Results: The study will assess the effectiveness of each intervention on muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity. It aims to determine whether foam rolling is as effective or superior to traditional massage in reducing calf muscle tone.
Conclusion: This research will contribute to understanding the efficacy of foam rolling as a self-administered technique for muscle tone reduction and its potential application in clinical and athletic settings
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Age: Participants aged between 18 and 45 years.
Health Status: Healthy individuals with no prior musculoskeletal conditions in the lower limbs.
Pain-Free: Participants should not have had pain in the gastrocnemius or Achilles tendon in the last 3 months.
Willingness: Participants must provide informed consent and be available for the intervention and necessary evaluations.
Disqualifiers
Musculoskeletal Conditions: Individuals with any pathologies in the calf muscles (gastrocnemius, soleus) or Achilles tendon.
Vascular or Neurological Issues: Participants with vascular diseases or neurological disorders that may interfere with the interventions or muscle response.
Skin Conditions: Exclusion of participants with skin alterations, infections, or open wounds in the area of intervention.
Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant.
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Foam roller
Other interventionThe foam roller is used for self-myofascial release (SMR) to reduce muscle tightness and improve flexibility. In this study, participants will use the foam roller on their dominant calf muscles, rolling it up and down at a controlled pace (30 rolls per minute). The pressure applied should be moderate, staying within a pain tolerance of 6/10 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The technique is repeated three times, with a one-minute rest between sets. The goal is to enhance muscle relaxation and reduce muscle tone
Massage
Other interventionThe therapeutic massage used in this study involves manual techniques to reduce muscle tone and improve flexibility in the calf muscles. It includes: 1. Deep Gliding Stroke: Sliding from the upper to the lower part of the calf to relax the muscles. 2. Soleus Compression: Applying pressure to the soleus muscle with the hands to release tension. 3. Calf Compression: Applying pressure to specific points on the calf to alleviate stiffness. Each technique lasts for 2 minutes, with a total intervention time of 8 minutes per participant. The goal is to reduce muscle tone and enhance relaxation
Treatment groups
20 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Foam rollerExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: MassageActive comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Muscle tone
Description: Muscle tone refers to the continuous and passive tension in a muscle at rest, measured by its resistance to passive stretching. It is quantified in Hertz (Hz), indicating the frequency of oscillation when the muscle is in a relaxed state.
Time frame
Pre and post intervention (immediately post foam roller procedure)Secondary outcomes
1
Muscle stiffness
Description: Muscle stiffness is the resistance a muscle provides when stretched. It is measured in Newtons per meter (N/m) and reflects how much force is needed to deform the muscle. Higher stiffness indicates less flexibility.
Time frame
Pre intervention and post intervention (immediately after the foam roller procedure)2
Muscle elasticity
Description: Elasticity refers to a muscle's ability to return to its original shape after being stretched. It is measured using a logarithmic scale (D \[log\]), representing the rate of decrease in oscillation amplitude after a mechanical disturbance.
Time frame
pre and post intervention (immediately after the interventions)Locations
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov
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