Immediate Effects of Self-myofascial Release on Latent Trigger Point Sensitivity

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Latent myofascial trigger points (LMTRP) which impair neuromuscular performance occur in both, patients and asymptomatic subjects. As evidence suggests that LMTRP can transform into active trigger points, therapy seems warranted. Besides other modalities, self-massage using foam rollers (self-myofascial release) has been applied as a treatment. However, there is no data on the efficacy of this method concerning LMTRP. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of different forms of self-myofascial release on LMTRP pain. Healthy patients with LMTRP in the calf are randomly allocated to one of three groups: 1) 90s static compression of the most sensitive LMTRP by means of the foam roll, 2) dynamic self-myofascial release rolling back and forth on the calf muscles for 90s using a foam roller, 3) placebo laser acupuncture of the most sensitive LMTRP. All subjects participate in a familiarization session with the foam roller one week prior to treatments. As an outcome, pressure pain threshold is assessed with an algometer. The investigators hypothesize, that static compression can reduce pressure pain of LMTRP more effective than dynamic self-myofascial release. The investigators further expect that placebo treatment will be the least effective method.

Conditions
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Trigger Points

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Static compression of LMTRP
* Other: Dynamic self-myofascial release of calf
* Device: Placebo laser acupuncture of LMTRP


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: at least one diagnosed latent myofascial trigger point in the calf age 18 to 65 years written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: active myofascial trigger point in the calf regular intake of drugs or within past 48 hours severe psychiatric, neurological, orthopaedic, cardiovascular or endocrine diseases pregnancy or nursing period any condition that negatively influences current quality of life

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 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: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Static compression of LMTRP<br>static compression of most sensitive LMTRP with the foam roll for 90 seconds | Other: Static compression of LMTRP<br>* Static compression of most sensitive Triggerpoint with a foam roller (Blackroll Inc., Germany).<br>|
| Experimental: Dynamic self-myofascial release of calf<br>dynamic self-myofascial release rolling back and forth on the entire calf for 90 seconds with the foam roll | Other: Dynamic self-myofascial release of calf<br>* Dynamic self-massage of the calf with a foam roller (Blackroll Inc., Germany).<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo laser acupuncture of LMTRP<br>placebo laser acupuncture applied on most sensitive LMTRP of the calf, light and acoustic sounds provided, but laser remains switched off, 90 seconds | Device: Placebo laser acupuncture of LMTRP<br>* Used device: Laserneedle System (Laserneedle Systems GmbH, Glienicke/Nordbahn, Germany). Electrodes positioned on skin but device remains switched off.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in pressure pain threshold [kg/cm²] assessed by pressure algometer |  | Baseline (M1) - 3 minutes (M2) |