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Recovery of Heart Rate Variability in Handball Players

Effects of Manual Massage and Foam Rolling on Heart Rate Variability Following 20m-Shuttle Run Test in Elite Male Handball Players

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07648966
Acronym
HRV-HANDBAll
Enrollment
15
Registered
2026-06-15
Start date
2025-05-01
Completion date
2025-07-31
Last updated
2026-09-02

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Heart Rate Control, Recovery Following Exercise

Keywords

recovery, foam rolling, manual massage, handball, autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability

Brief summary

This study aimed to compare the acute effects of manual massage (MM) and foam rolling (FR) on heart rate variability (HRV) following a 20 m shuttle run test (20m-SRT) in elite male handball players. It was hypothesized that MM and FR would produce differential acute effects on HRV responses during

Detailed description

The aim of present study was to compare the acute effects of manual massage (MM) and foam rolling (FR) on time-domain and frequency-domain HRV parameters following a 20 m shuttle run test (20m-SRT) in elite male handball players. It was hypothesized that MM and FR would produce differential acute effects on HRV responses during. Fifteen elite male handball players voluntarilly participated in present study. The research utilized a randomized cross-over design. All participants provided written informed consent after being briefed about the aims, procedures, benefits, and risks. Study was conducted in three sessions in onwe week. Fırst session is familiarization, other two sessions are experimental: MM and FR sessions. Participants were instructed to maintain their normal diet, refrain from intense exercise for at least 48 hours before study sessions, avoid alcohol and caffeine intake for 24 hours prior, and consume their last meal at least 3 hours before sessions. In familiarization session, subjects fulfilled Exercise Readiness Questionnaire (EGZ+), measured body composition, after warm-up 20m-SRT, and recovery interventions (MM and FR). Before warm-up - pre-test, during 20-m shuttle run test - test and after recovery - post-test HRV were recorded. In experimental session, after the 20 min standard warm-up including jogging, jumping and stretching volunteers performed 20m-SRT and immediately one of two different recovery interventions. Recovery interventions are MM and FR applied on the lower extremities. All procedures were conducted at the same time of day (14:00-16:00) to minimize circadian rhythm effects. To determine differences in HRV and heart rate across recovery methods and time points, a Two Way Repeated Measures ANOVA was used: 2 Intervention (MM and FR) × 3 Time (Pre-test, Test, Post-test). Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons performed to identify differences between specific time points and interventions.

Interventions

OTHERManul Massage (MM)

MM protocol employed Swedish massage techniques (Hemmings, 2001; Tessier, 2005), including effleurage (light stroking), friction, petrissage (kneading and rolling), vibration and tapotement (light percussion). Massage was applied for 20 minutes total, distributed as: 10 minutes on the right and 10 minutes on the left lower extremity. Posterior lower-extremity massage included the gluteal region, posterior thigh, and calf muscles. Anterior lower-extremity massage included only the quadriceps. Applications were performed from distal to proximal direction using baby oil by certified masseur. Anterior leg massage in a supine position and posterior leg massage in a prone position was applied

A medium density, grid structured foam roller (Blackroll Standard, 33×15×14 cm, PVC polypropylene, Bottighofen, Switzerland) was used. Participants performed self-myofascial release by placing the lower extremities on the foam roller and rolling forward and backward to relax fascia surrounding the muscle with medium pressure. Total duration of FR lasted 20 minutes: 10 minutes left and 10 minutes right lower extremity. Rolling was performed at a controlled cadence (\~30 cycles/min) guided by a metronome with moderate pressure.

Sponsors

Uludag University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE

Intervention model description

Study was conducted in three sessions in one week. Fırst session is familiarization, other two sessions are experimental: manual massage (MM) and Foam Rolling (FR) sessions.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
17 Years to 30 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Male handball players competing in the Turkish Handball Super League * At least 5 years of regular handball training experience * Participation in at least 10 official matches during the previous 12 months * Minimum 1 year of playing experience in the Turkish Handball Super League * No injury resulting in an interruption of training or competition for more than 2 weeks during the previous 6 months * No use of stimulants, ergogenic aids, or prohibited performance-enhancing substances

Exclusion criteria

* Current musculoskeletal injury or pain affecting training or match participation * History of surgery to the lower or upper extremities within the previous 12 months * Presence of cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic disorders * Use of medications that may affect physical performance or neuromuscular function * Inability to complete the study procedures or testing protocol * Withdrawal of informed consent

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Heart Rate Variability (HRV)From enrollment to the end of treatment at 60 minutesHRV was recorded by Polar V800 (Polar Electro, Kempele, Finland) heart rate monitor and chest strap of Polar H10 transmitter. HRV time-domain (RR, RMSSD, SDNN) and frequency-domain (VLF, LF, HF) markers and heart rate (HR) were recorded and transferred in Polar Flow. Data set normalized by adopting artefact methodology using Kubios HRV Scientific (Tarvainen et al., 2014). Power values were calculated in normalized units (n.u.). HRV recordings were obtained during three phases: pre exercise (10 min supine rest), during exercise and post exercise recovery phases (10 min supine rest. Participants were instructed to maintain spontaneous but stable breathing during recordings.
20 m Shuttle Run Test (VO2max)After warm-up 20m-SRT lasted approximately 12-15 minute20m-SRT was administered following the protocol of Leger and Lambert (1982). The running pace was controlled by "beep test" audio signals. The test started at a speed of 8.5 km·h-¹, increasing by 0.5 km·h-¹ every minute. Participants were required to cover 20 m at each signal. The test ended when a participant failed to complete the 20 m distance three consecutive times. Estimated VO2max values were calculated using the Leger et al. (1988) formula.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Height1 minute during familiarisation sessionStanding height was measured with a SECA 216 digital stadiometer with a precision of 0.01 m.
Weight1 minute during familiarisation sessionBody weight (kg) were measured using a TANITA BC 418MA Segmental Body Composition Analyzer (±0.50 kg accuracy).
Total Body Fat1 minute during familiarisation sessionTotal body fat (%) were measured using a TANITA BC 418MA Segmental Body Composition Analyzer (±0.50 kg accuracy).
Body Mass Index1 minute during familiarisation sessionWeight and height will be combined to report BMI in kg/m\^2

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Sep 3, 2026