Effects of Soft Tissue Mobilization and Vibration Therapy in Competitive Rowers

NCT07004374 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: E-10840098-202.3.02-2942
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 45
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

Balanced; Soft Tissue Injuries

Keywords

Rowing; Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM); Percussion massage therapy; Balance; Explosive strength; Functional performance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Y Balance Test Composite Score

  Assesses dynamic balance and postural control of the lower extremities. During the test, participants perform maximal reach in three directions-anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral-while maintaining a single-leg stance. The composite score is calculated by averaging the reach distances in all three directions, normalized to the participant's leg length using the formula: Composite Score = (Anterior + Posteromedial + Posterolateral) / (3 × limb length) × 100 Scale Range: 0 to 100% Interpretation: Higher scores indicate better dynamic balance and greater postural control.

  Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Vertical Jump Height

  Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention

• Single-Leg Hop Tests

  Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention

• 6-Meter Timed Hop Test

  Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention

• Isometric Muscle Strength of Quadriceps and Gastrocnemius

  Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention

Study Arms (3)

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in this group will not receive any intervention.

Vibration Therapy (33 Hz) Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive percussion massage therapy (33 Hz) applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using a handheld massage device for 5 minutes per muscle group.

Device: a percussion massage gun

Soft Tissue Mobilization Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM, Graston technique) applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using stainless steel tools with standardized techniques (Sweep, Fan, Brush) for 6 minutes.

Device: specially designed stainless-steel instruments

Interventions

a percussion massage gun DEVICE

Participants receive percussion massage therapy (33 Hz) applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using a handheld massage device for 5 minutes per muscle group.

Vibration Therapy (33 Hz) Group

specially designed stainless-steel instruments DEVICE

Participants receive instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM, Graston technique) applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using stainless steel tools with standardized techniques (Sweep, Fan, Brush) for 6 minutes.

Soft Tissue Mobilization Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 13 Years - 18 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Medipol University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Tayfun Arslan

Sinop, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Menek B, Dansuk E, Arslan T. The Effects of Soft Tissue Mobilization and Vibration Therapy on Balance, Explosive Strength, and Functional Performance in Elite Rowers. J Strength Cond Res. 2025 Dec 5. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005305. Online ahead of print.

  PMID: 41369532 DERIVED

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Soft Tissue Injuries

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Wounds and Injuries

Study Officials

• Emre Dansuk, PhD

  Medipol University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: 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)

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 26, 2025
• First Posted: June 4, 2025
• Study Start: June 13, 2025
• Primary Completion: July 10, 2025
• Study Completion: July 10, 2025
• Last Updated: July 22, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)