Immediate Effects of Graston Massage on Muscle Properties and Performance in Elite Female Handball Players

NCT ID: NCT06911580

Last Updated: 2025-04-04

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 16 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2024-11-01
• Study Completion Date: 2025-02-20

Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to investigate the immediate effects of Graston massage on muscle mechanical properties and sports performance in elite handball players with isolated gastrocnemius tightness.

Detailed Description

Handball is a high-paced competitive sport that requires advanced physical demands. The ability to achieve the desired performance in handball is influenced by the functionality of the lower extremities. One of the key structures responsible for the mobility of the lower extremities is the gastrocnemius muscle. The gastrocnemius is a superficial, two-headed skeletal muscle located in the posterior part of the leg, with its primary function being plantar flexion of the ankle. Due to intense usage, improper training models, or various traumas, structural abnormalities may develop in the gastrocnemius muscle among athletes. One of the most common structural disorders is isolated gastrocnemius tightness (IGT). IGT is considered critical in terms of sports injuries and performance and is also recognized as a prevalent disorder even in the general population.

IGT, which arises as a result of gastrocnemius-soleus contracture, is a muscle dysfunction characterized by increased stiffness of the ankle joint in dorsiflexion. Restrictions in dorsiflexion caused by IGT can increase pressure on soft tissues during changing conditions and sudden movements in training and competitions, leading to a higher risk of injury and potential declines in sports performance. Chronic muscle tightness also affects the viscoelastic properties of the muscle. Mechanical muscle properties such as muscle tone and stiffness are considered fundamental elements for maintaining efficient muscle contractions in terms of both function and energy. A shortened and tight skeletal muscle may hinder potential force production, leading to increased muscle tone and stiffness. Increased tone and stiffness, in turn, can reduce movement efficiency and contribute to a higher risk of injuries.

IGT can be alleviated through various interventions, including exercise models, surgical procedures, and myofascial release techniques. The Graston technique is recommended for restoring optimal length in the myofascial complex, enhancing function, and improving hypomobility caused by skeletal muscle tightness.

Previous studies have emphasized the importance of IGT and its treatment. However, no comprehensive study has been found regarding the effects of preventive measures against IGT on sports performance and muscle properties in athletes. Identifying IGT and implementing effective compensatory mechanisms play a crucial role in maintaining athlete health and sustaining performance, highlighting the significance of this research.

Conditions

Isolated Gastrocnemius Tightness

Study Design

• Allocation Method: NA
• Intervention Model: SINGLE_GROUP
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Physical Tests and Measurements

Assessment of Muscle Mechanical Properties:The Myoton PRO muscle palpation device was used for the evaluation.

Strength Measurement: Strength measurement was performed on the calf muscle group. The Activforce Digital Dynamometer, which has been reported to have a high level of reliability, was used for this assessment.

Agility Test:Agility values were determined using the Illinois Agility Test, measured with a photocell electronic stopwatch system with a precision of 0.01 seconds. The test was conducted twice, and the best result was recorded.

Vertical Jump Test:Vertical jump values were measured using a Smart Speed electronic jump mat with the hands-free (arm swing) countermovement jump technique. The athlete positioned themselves with their feet shoulder-width apart on the jump mat.

Group Type: OTHER

Graston Massage

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

The participant was positioned prone on the treatment table with the knee slightly flexed. A small amount of lubricating gel was applied to the entire gastrosoleus complex and the calcaneal tendon. For one minute, sweeping strokes were performed downwards on the gastrocnemius heads using the GT-5 tool. From the second to the fourth minute, the GT-5 was used in an upward direction to ensure that both the gastrocnemius and soleus were treated. Afterward, with the GT-2 tool, one minute of downward sweeping and one minute of upward sweeping were performed on the calcaneal tendon. Following the two minutes of sweeping, GT-3 was used to apply short, perpendicular strokes to the medial and lateral sides of the calcaneal tendon, with 30 seconds for each side. The total application lasted approximately 7 minutes (Palmer et al., 2017).

Interventions

Graston Massage

The participant was positioned prone on the treatment table with the knee slightly flexed. A small amount of lubricating gel was applied to the entire gastrosoleus complex and the calcaneal tendon. For one minute, sweeping strokes were performed downwards on the gastrocnemius heads using the GT-5 tool. From the second to the fourth minute, the GT-5 was used in an upward direction to ensure that both the gastrocnemius and soleus were treated. Afterward, with the GT-2 tool, one minute of downward sweeping and one minute of upward sweeping were performed on the calcaneal tendon. Following the two minutes of sweeping, GT-3 was used to apply short, perpendicular strokes to the medial and lateral sides of the calcaneal tendon, with 30 seconds for each side. The total application lasted approximately 7 minutes (Palmer et al., 2017).

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Participants must have IGT in at least one leg.
• Age range must be between 19-27 years.
• Must have been a licensed handball player for at least the past five years.
• Must not have undergone any surgical operation in the past year.

Exclusion Criteria

• Participants who are in their menstrual period will be excluded from the study.
• Those who have used pharmacological products classified as muscle relaxants or derivatives within the last 24 hours will be excluded.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 19 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 27 Years
• Eligible Sex: FEMALE
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Giresun University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Nihat Sarıalioğlu

Assistant Professor

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Giresun University

Giresun, Centre, Turkey (Türkiye)

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Other Identifiers

GRU-SBF-NS-03

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id