Clinical trial NCT07004374: Effects of Soft Tissue Mobilization and Vibration Therapy in Competitive Rowers
Official title: Comparative Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Percussion Vibration Therapy on Balance, Explosive Strength, and Functional Performance in Competitive Adolescent Rowers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: RECRUITING
Phase: NA
Conditions: Balanced
Soft Tissue Injuries
Keywords: Rowing
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM)
Percussion massage therapy
Balance
Explosive strength
Functional performance
Lead sponsor: Medipol University
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-06-04
Enrollment: 51
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 13
Maximum age (years): 18
Standard ages: CHILD
ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Intervention model description: This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a parallel-group design to evaluate the comparative effects of two different therapeutic interventions-instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and percussion vibration therapy-on balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in adolescent competitive rowers.

A total of 45 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups:

Group 1: Vibration Therapy Group (percussion massage therapy at 33 Hz) Group 2: Soft Tissue Mobilization Group (Graston technique/IASTM) Group 3: Control Group (no intervention)
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and percussion massage therapy on balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in competitive adolescent rowers. A total of 45 participants aged 13-18 will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: vibration therapy group, soft tissue mobilization group, and control group. Interventions will target the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles. Outcome measures include the Y Balance Test, vertical jump, hop tests, and isometric muscle strength via myometry. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence-based insights into optimizing performance and injury prevention strategies in rowing athletes.

Detailed description: Rowing is a high-performance sport that demands coordinated action of the upper and lower extremities, trunk muscles, and cardiovascular system. Due to repetitive pulling movements, rowers are prone to musculoskeletal overload injuries, particularly in the lower back, shoulders, knees, and ankles. Effective balance control and lower extremity explosive strength are critical for performance enhancement and injury prevention in rowing athletes. Soft tissue mobilization techniques and vibration therapies are emerging modalities that may enhance muscle flexibility, joint mobility, and neuromuscular activation, thereby contributing to athletic performance.

This randomized controlled study is designed to evaluate the effects of two different interventions-instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) using the Graston technique, and percussion massage therapy using a handheld massage gun-on balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in competitive adolescent rowers aged 13-18. A total of 45 athletes meeting inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: Vibration Group (percussion therapy at 33Hz), Soft Tissue Mobilization Group (IASTM), and Control Group (no intervention). Both interventions will be applied to the quadriceps femoris and gastrocnemius muscles over standardized durations and protocols.

Functional outcomes will be measured using the Y Balance Test, vertical jump test, single-leg hop tests (single, triple, crossover, square hop), and a 6-meter timed hop. Muscle strength will be evaluated using a myometer to assess isometric force production of the quadriceps and gastrosoleus muscles. Assessments will be conducted pre- and post-intervention.

The study is expected to provide clinically relevant data on the efficacy of myofascial techniques in enhancing functional capacity and performance parameters in young elite athletes. Findings may support the incorporation of soft tissue techniques and vibration therapy into performance training and injury prevention protocols for rowing and similar sports.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 13 and 18 years
* Licensed rowing athlete for at least 2 years
* Participating in at least 4 training sessions per week
* No lower extremity injury in the past 6 months
* Voluntary participation and signed informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of surgery in the knee, hip, or ankle
* Neurological, vestibular, or systemic balance disorders
* Use of medications that may affect physical performance
* Orthopedic conditions that prevent participation in performance tests

Primary outcomes:
measure: Y Balance Test Composite Score
timeFrame: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Vertical Jump Height
timeFrame: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
measure: Single-Leg Hop Tests
timeFrame: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
measure: 6-Meter Timed Hop Test
timeFrame: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
measure: Isometric Muscle Strength of Quadriceps and Gastrocnemius
timeFrame: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Sinop
country: Turkey
facility: Tayfun Arsalan
Study officials:
affiliation: Medipol University
name: Emre Dansuk, PhD
role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
References: