The Effect of Deep Friction Massage on the Achilles Tendon Blood Flow

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Background: There is a hypothesis in literature that the mechanical action of deep transverse friction massage (DTF) produces vasodilatation and increases blood flow. But as yet, no experimental study has confirmed the effect of DTF on blood flow in the Achilles tendon. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether one session of DTF can influence the Achilles tendon blood flow. Design: a randomized pre- posttest trial was set up. Patients: Sixty-two healthy participants volunteered. Each person underwent the following four steps of the procedure: 1. Measuring the tendon blood flow (PRE), 2.fifteen minutes of DTF on the Achilles tendon, 3. Measuring of the tendon blood flow (POST), 4.follow - up measurement after 20 minutes of rest (POST20). Intervention: one leg of each person was randomly assigned to deep transverse friction session, the other leg was used as a control leg. Friction was applied continuously for a total of 15 minutes. Measurements: the microcirculation was determined at 2 and 8 tissue depths at the distal and the proximal midportion of the Achilles tendon. For each level, the capillary blood flow, the tissue oxygen saturation, and the postcapillary venous filling pressure was registered.

Official Title
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The Effect of Deep Friction Massage on the Achilles Tendon Blood Flow

Conditions
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Healthy Situation

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: deep transverse friction massage


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Exclusion Criteria: a history of lower leg injury systematic disease persons using drugs subjects with circulatory disorders or cardiovascular diseases

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Deep transverse friction massage<br>Massage technique will be used. | Other: deep transverse friction massage<br>* For the application of the deep transverse friction massage, the participants were positioned supine with the ankle in 90 ° of dorsiflexion, in order to bring some tension on the tendon. The treating clinician stabilized the subject's foot with one hand while applying the DTF with the other hand. The deep friction massage is a pinching technique with thumb and index finger, reinforced by the middle finger.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Blood flow of the Achilles tendon | Blood flow of the Achilles tendon will be measured with the oxygen-to-see. | after 15 minutes of friction | 
| Blood flow of the Achilles tendon | Blood flow of the Achilles tendon will be measured with the oxygen-to-see. | After 20 minutes of rest. |