Muscle Stiffness
Conditions
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.
Interventions
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).
Sponsors
University of Primorska
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
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
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle stiffness | Baseline and Immediately Post-Intervention | Stiffness of the gastrocnemius muscle will be measured using shear-wave elastography (SWE), a non-invasive ultrasound technique that quantifies the shear modulus of soft tissue. Measurements will be performed with the participant in a prone position, with the ankle in a standardized neutral position, to ensure consistency. The shear modulus (in kilopascals) will be used as the primary metric of muscle stiffness. Time Frame: |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion | Baseline and Immediately Post-Intervention | Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion will be assessed using the weight-bearing lunge test with the knee extended. The distance from the great toe to the wall will be recorded at the point where the heel remains in contact with the floor while the knee touches the wall. This test is a reliable and functional assessment of gastrocnemius-related ankle flexibility. |
Countries
Slovenia
Contacts
Primary ContactŽiga Kozinc, PhD
Outcome results
None listed