Effects of Soft Tissue Mobilization and Vibration Therapy in Competitive Rowers

NCT ID: NCT07004374

Last Updated: 2025-07-22

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 45 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-06-13
• Study Completion Date: 2025-07-10

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and percussion massage therapy on balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in competitive adolescent rowers. A total of 45 participants aged 13-18 will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: vibration therapy group, soft tissue mobilization group, and control group. Interventions will target the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles. Outcome measures include the Y Balance Test, vertical jump, hop tests, and isometric muscle strength via myometry. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence-based insights into optimizing performance and injury prevention strategies in rowing athletes.

Detailed Description

Rowing is a high-performance sport that demands coordinated action of the upper and lower extremities, trunk muscles, and cardiovascular system. Due to repetitive pulling movements, rowers are prone to musculoskeletal overload injuries, particularly in the lower back, shoulders, knees, and ankles. Effective balance control and lower extremity explosive strength are critical for performance enhancement and injury prevention in rowing athletes. Soft tissue mobilization techniques and vibration therapies are emerging modalities that may enhance muscle flexibility, joint mobility, and neuromuscular activation, thereby contributing to athletic performance.

This randomized controlled study is designed to evaluate the effects of two different interventions-instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) using the Graston technique, and percussion massage therapy using a handheld massage gun-on balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in competitive adolescent rowers aged 13-18. A total of 45 athletes meeting inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: Vibration Group (percussion therapy at 33Hz), Soft Tissue Mobilization Group (IASTM), and Control Group (no intervention). Both interventions will be applied to the quadriceps femoris and gastrocnemius muscles over standardized durations and protocols.

Functional outcomes will be measured using the Y Balance Test, vertical jump test, single-leg hop tests (single, triple, crossover, square hop), and a 6-meter timed hop. Muscle strength will be evaluated using a myometer to assess isometric force production of the quadriceps and gastrosoleus muscles. Assessments will be conducted pre- and post-intervention.

The study is expected to provide clinically relevant data on the efficacy of myofascial techniques in enhancing functional capacity and performance parameters in young elite athletes. Findings may support the incorporation of soft tissue techniques and vibration therapy into performance training and injury prevention protocols for rowing and similar sports.

Conditions

Balanced; Soft Tissue Injuries

Study Design

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

Study Groups

Control Group

Participants in this group will not receive any intervention.

Group Type: NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Vibration Therapy (33 Hz) Group

Participants receive percussion massage therapy (33 Hz) applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using a handheld massage device for 5 minutes per muscle group.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

a percussion massage gun

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Participants receive percussion massage therapy (33 Hz) applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using a handheld massage device for 5 minutes per muscle group.

Soft Tissue Mobilization Group

Participants receive instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM, Graston technique) applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using stainless steel tools with standardized techniques (Sweep, Fan, Brush) for 6 minutes.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

specially designed stainless-steel instruments

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Participants receive instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM, Graston technique) applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using stainless steel tools with standardized techniques (Sweep, Fan, Brush) for 6 minutes.

Interventions

a percussion massage gun

Participants receive percussion massage therapy (33 Hz) applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using a handheld massage device for 5 minutes per muscle group.

Intervention Type: DEVICE

specially designed stainless-steel instruments

Participants receive instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM, Graston technique) applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using stainless steel tools with standardized techniques (Sweep, Fan, Brush) for 6 minutes.

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Age between 13 and 18 years
• Licensed rowing athlete for at least 2 years
• Participating in at least 4 training sessions per week
• No lower extremity injury in the past 6 months
• Voluntary participation and signed informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria

• History of surgery in the knee, hip, or ankle
• Neurological, vestibular, or systemic balance disorders
• Use of medications that may affect physical performance
• Orthopedic conditions that prevent participation in performance tests

• Minimum Eligible Age: 13 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Medipol University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Emre DANSUK

Principal Investigator

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

Emre Dansuk, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Medipol University

Locations

Tayfun Arslan

Sinop, , Turkey (Türkiye)

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Other Identifiers

E-10840098-202.3.02-2942

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id