Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Gastrocnemius Stiffness and Ankle Range of Motion

NCT ID: NCT06934694

Last Updated: 2025-04-25

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 38 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-04-24
• Study Completion Date: 2025-06-15

Brief Summary

This study will examine whether a technique called instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) can reduce stiffness in the calf muscle (gastrocnemius) and improve ankle mobility. Muscle stiffness will be measured using a specialized ultrasound method called shear-wave elastography, while ankle range of motion will be assessed using the weight-bearing lunge test. Healthy volunteers will participate in this study, and measurements will be taken before and after a single IASTM treatment. The aim is to determine if this manual therapy technique can produce immediate changes in muscle properties and joint flexibility.

Detailed Description

This interventional study aims to evaluate the acute effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on the stiffness of the gastrocnemius muscle and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. Muscle stiffness will be quantified using shear-wave elastography (SWE), a non-invasive ultrasound technique that measures tissue mechanical properties in real time. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion will be assessed using the weight-bearing lunge test with the knee extended, a reliable functional measure of ankle mobility.

Participants will undergo baseline measurements followed by a standardized IASTM intervention targeting the gastrocnemius muscle. Post-treatment assessments will be conducted immediately afterward to capture acute changes. The study is designed to improve understanding of how IASTM influences muscle mechanical properties and functional joint mobility. Findings may have implications for the clinical use of IASTM in both rehabilitation and performance contexts.

Conditions

Muscle Stiffness

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: SINGLE

Study Groups

IASTM

Participants in this arm will receive a single session of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) applied to the gastrocnemius muscle. The treatment will be performed using a standardized protocol that includes longitudinal and cross-friction strokes with a stainless-steel tool. The intervention is designed to target the superficial and deep layers of the gastrocnemius and will be delivered for a total of approximately 5 minutes. Post-treatment assessments of muscle stiffness and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion will be conducted immediately following the intervention.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Participants will receive a single session of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) applied to the gastrocnemius muscle using a stainless-steel instrument. The treatment consists of longitudinal and transverse strokes targeting both the medial and lateral heads of the muscle. The procedure will be performed by a trained clinician, following a standardized protocol lasting approximately 5 minutes. The goal is to induce mechanical and neuromodulatory effects on muscle tissue. This intervention is designed to assess acute changes in muscle stiffness (via shear-wave elastography) and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (via the weight-bearing lunge test).

Control

Group Type: NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

Participants will receive a single session of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) applied to the gastrocnemius muscle using a stainless-steel instrument. The treatment consists of longitudinal and transverse strokes targeting both the medial and lateral heads of the muscle. The procedure will be performed by a trained clinician, following a standardized protocol lasting approximately 5 minutes. The goal is to induce mechanical and neuromodulatory effects on muscle tissue. This intervention is designed to assess acute changes in muscle stiffness (via shear-wave elastography) and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (via the weight-bearing lunge test).

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Age between 18 and 45 years
• Healthy individuals without current lower limb injury
• No history of surgery to the ankle, knee, or calf
• Able to perform the weight-bearing lunge test without assistance
• Willing to refrain from intense lower-limb exercise 24 hours before testing

Exclusion Criteria

• Current or recent (past 3 months) lower limb musculoskeletal pain or injury
• Known neuromuscular or vascular disorders affecting the lower extremity
• Use of medications affecting muscle tone or flexibility within 48 hours prior to testing
• Previous adverse reactions to manual therapy or IASTM
• Skin lesions, bruising, or conditions over the gastrocnemius that contraindicate IASTM
• Pregnancy

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 35 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

University of Primorska

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Žiga Kozinc

PhD, Assistant professor

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola

Izola, Izola, Slovenia

Site Status: RECRUITING

Countries

Slovenia

Central Contacts

Žiga Kozinc, PhD

Role: CONTACT

ziga.kozinc@fvz.upr.si

+38640161503

Facility Contacts

Žiga Kozinc, PhD

Role: primary

ziga.kozinc@fvz.upr.si

040161503

Other Identifiers

IASTM_Gastro

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id