NCT06934694

Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Gastrocnemius Stiffness and Ankle Range of Motion

Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Gastrocnemius Muscle Stiffness and Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 38 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Primorska · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study will examine whether a technique called instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) can reduce stiffness in the calf muscle (gastrocnemius) and improve ankle mobility. Muscle stiffness will be measured using a specialized ultrasound method called shear-wave elastography, while ankle range of motion will be assessed using the weight-bearing lunge test. Healthy volunteers will participate in this study, and measurements will be taken before and after a single IASTM treatment. The aim is to determine if this manual therapy technique can produce immediate changes in muscle properties and joint flexibility.

Detailed description

This interventional study aims to evaluate the acute effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on the stiffness of the gastrocnemius muscle and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. Muscle stiffness will be quantified using shear-wave elastography (SWE), a non-invasive ultrasound technique that measures tissue mechanical properties in real time. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion will be assessed using the weight-bearing lunge test with the knee extended, a reliable functional measure of ankle mobility. Participants will undergo baseline measurements followed by a standardized IASTM intervention targeting the gastrocnemius muscle. Post-treatment assessments will be conducted immediately afterward to capture acute changes. The study is designed to improve understanding of how IASTM influences muscle mechanical properties and functional joint mobility. Findings may have implications for the clinical use of IASTM in both rehabilitation and performance contexts.

Conditions

• Muscle Stiffness

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization	Participants will receive a single session of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) applied to the gastrocnemius muscle using a stainless-steel instrument. The treatment consists of longitudinal and transverse strokes targeting both the medial and lateral heads of the muscle. The procedure will be performed by a trained clinician, following a standardized protocol lasting approximately 5 minutes. The goal is to induce mechanical and neuromodulatory effects on muscle tissue. This intervention is designed to assess acute changes in muscle stiffness (via shear-wave elastography) and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (via the weight-bearing lunge test).

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-04-24
• Primary completion: 2025-05-30
• Completion: 2025-06-15
• First posted: 2025-04-18
• Last updated: 2025-04-25

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Slovenia