Muscle Tone, Healthy Adult
Conditions
Brief summary
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
Interventions
OTHERFoam roller
The 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
OTHERMassage
The 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
Sponsors
Universidad Europea de Madrid
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1. Age: Participants aged between 18 and 45 years. 2. Health Status: Healthy individuals with no prior musculoskeletal conditions in the lower limbs. 3. Pain-Free: Participants should not have had pain in the gastrocnemius or Achilles tendon in the last 3 months. 4. Willingness: Participants must provide informed consent and be available for the intervention and necessary evaluations.
Exclusion criteria
1. Musculoskeletal Conditions: Individuals with any pathologies in the calf muscles (gastrocnemius, soleus) or Achilles tendon. 2. Vascular or Neurological Issues: Participants with vascular diseases or neurological disorders that may interfere with the interventions or muscle response. 3. Skin Conditions: Exclusion of participants with skin alterations, infections, or open wounds in the area of intervention. 4. Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant. 5. Sensitivity Issues: Participants with altered sensitivity in the lower limbs or any condition that may affect the response to the techniques. 6. Non-Compliance: Individuals who do not provide informed consent or are not available for the required evaluations.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle tone | Pre and post intervention (immediately post foam roller procedure) | 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. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle stiffness | Pre intervention and post intervention (immediately after the foam roller procedure) | 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. |
| Muscle elasticity | pre and post intervention (immediately after the interventions) | 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. |
Contacts
CONTACTCarlos Romero Phd
Outcome results
None listed