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

NCT02609412 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: SpM2015-002
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 48
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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

Trigger Points

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in pressure pain threshold [kg/cm²] assessed by pressure algometer

  Baseline (M1) - 3 minutes (M2)

Study Arms (3)

Static compression of LMTRP

EXPERIMENTAL

static compression of most sensitive LMTRP with the foam roll for 90 seconds

Other: Static compression of LMTRP

Dynamic self-myofascial release of calf

EXPERIMENTAL

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

Placebo laser acupuncture of LMTRP

PLACEBO COMPARATOR

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

Interventions

Static compression of LMTRP OTHER

Static compression of most sensitive Triggerpoint with a foam roller (Blackroll Inc., Germany).

Static compression of LMTRP

Dynamic self-myofascial release of calf OTHER

Dynamic self-massage of the calf with a foam roller (Blackroll Inc., Germany).

Dynamic self-myofascial release of calf

Placebo laser acupuncture of LMTRP DEVICE

Used device: Laserneedle System (Laserneedle Systems GmbH, Glienicke/Nordbahn, Germany). Electrodes positioned on skin but device remains switched off.

Placebo laser acupuncture of LMTRP

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• at least one diagnosed latent myofascial trigger point in the calf
• age 18 to 65 years
• written informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Goethe University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Goethe University Frankfurt/Main

Frankfurt am Main, 60488, Germany

Location

Study Officials

• Winfried Banzer, MD, PhD

  Department of Sports Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt/Main

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Head of Department

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: October 2, 2015
• First Posted: November 20, 2015
• Study Start: May 1, 2015
• Primary Completion: May 1, 2016
• Study Completion: May 1, 2016
• Last Updated: May 11, 2016

Record last verified: 2016-05

Locations

DE (1)