Acute Effects of Gastrocnemius Myofascial Release on Cervical Flexion and Extension Range of Motion in Healthy Adults

University Fernando Pessoa

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Healthy

Treatments: Device: Dynamic foam rolling

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07025746

ESS/LFST-706/25-2

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to verify the immediate effects of gastrocnemius myofascial release on the active cervical flexion and extension range of motion.

Full description

After completing the questionnaire, 91 healthy participants will be randomly divided into two groups: the Intervention Group (IG) (n=46) and the Control Group (CG) (n=45). In the first assessment (M0), the range of motion of cervical flexion and extension will be measured using a smartphone (Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Android) and the Clinometer application. The myofascial release technique (foam roller) will be applied to the gastrocnemius of the dominant lower limb for 4 minutes (3 sets of 1 minute with 30 seconds of rest). Participants in the control group will remain at complete rest for a period of 4 minutes, lying in the supine position, without performing any type of active or passive intervention. Immediately after the intervention/control, all groups will be reassessed (M1).

Enrollment: 90 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 40 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy participants of both sexes aged 18-40 years.

Exclusion criteria

• Deformities in the lower quadrant region of the body;
• Complaints in this region in the last 6 months;
• Surgical procedures or musculoskeletal, cardiac, renal, metabolic, neurological and or oncological pathologies;
• Limb length discrepancy greater than 1.5 cm;
• Pregnant women;
• Ingestion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or consumption of any type of narcotic drugs and participants who have drunk alcohol in the last 12 hours.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Health Services Research

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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90 participants in 2 patient groups

Intervention group

Active Comparator group

Description:

A myofascial release technique will be performed using a foam roller (Blackroll Standard, 30 x 15 cm) on the dominant lower limb. For the Intervention Group (IG), the technique will be applied to the gastrocnemius muscles. In this group, participants will adopt a semi-seated position on a mat, supported by their arms while keeping the body well aligned. The movement will be performed in the direction of the muscle fibers (cephalocaudal), ensuring the accuracy of the technique. The foam roller will be in contact with the targeted muscle, and the participant will apply pressure until experiencing slight discomfort. In this way, a self-massage will be performed following the direction of the muscle fibers.

Treatment:

Device: Dynamic foam rolling

Control group

No Intervention group

Description:

The participants will remain at rest in a chair for 4 minutes.