Acute Effects of Percussion Massage Therapy in Adolescent Cyclists

NCT07206576 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: E-10840098-202.3.02-6304
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 32
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the acute effects of percussion massage therapy (PMT) on balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in adolescent competitive cyclists aged 12-15. A total of 32 participants will be randomly assigned to either a PMT group, which will receive a single session of vibration-based therapy using a handheld percussion device (Compex Fixx 2.0), or a control group with passive rest. Performance parameters will be assessed using the Y Balance Test, vertical jump, hop tests, 10-second sprint cycling, and isometric muscle strength via dynamometry. The study seeks to determine whether PMT offers short-term neuromuscular benefits that may enhance cycling performance in youth athletes.

Conditions

Balanced

Keywords

Cycling; Functional performance; Explosive strength; Balance; Vibration therapy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Y Balance Test Composite Score

  The Y Balance Test will be used to assess dynamic balance by measuring reach distances in three directions (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral) while standing on one leg. Each direction will be tested three times, and the average reach distance will be normalized to leg length. A composite score will be calculated and expressed as a percentage to evaluate overall dynamic balance capacity. Higher scores indicate better balance performance.

  Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Single-Leg Hop Distance (Triple Hop Test)

  Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention

• Isometric Muscle Strength (Gluteus Maximus, Quadriceps, Gastrocnemius)

  Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention

• Peak Power Output

  Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention

• Sprint Distance

  Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention

• Subjective Muscle Relaxation (Numeric Rating Scale - NRS)

  Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention

Study Arms (2)

Percussion Massage Therapy Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive a single session of percussion massage therapy (PMT) using the Compex® Fixx™ 2.0 device applied bilaterally to the gluteus maximus, quadriceps femoris, and gastrocnemius muscles for 3 minutes per muscle group at 41.7 Hz.

Device: a percussion massage gun

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in this group will not receive any intervention. They will remain seated in a resting position for an equivalent duration (approximately 18 minutes) to match the intervention group's time frame.

Interventions

a percussion massage gun DEVICE

Participants assigned to the intervention group will receive a single session of percussion massage therapy (PMT) using the Compex® Fixx™ 2.0 handheld device. The treatment will be applied bilaterally to three major muscle groups: gluteus maximus, quadriceps femoris, and gastrocnemius. The device will operate at a high intensity setting (Level 4) with a frequency of 41.7 Hz. A wedge-shaped applicator head will be used to ensure consistent pressure across the treatment area. Each muscle group will be treated for 3 minutes, following a standardized linear stroke pattern from proximal to distal and back. The total duration of the intervention will be approximately 18 minutes. The intervention will be performed once, immediately before the post-test evaluations, and aims to assess acute effects on neuromuscular performance.

Percussion Massage Therapy Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 12 Years - 15 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Aged between 12 and 15 years
• Licensed competitive cyclist for at least 2 years
• Participating in at least 4 training sessions per week
• No lower extremity injuries in the past 6 months
• Voluntary participation by signing the informed consent form

You may not qualify if:

• History of surgery in the knee, hip, or ankle joints
• Presence of neurological, vestibular, or systemic balance disorders
• Use of medications that may affect performance
• Any orthopedic condition that prevents participation in performance tests

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Medipol University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Tayfun Arslan

Sinop, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: 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 two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. A total of 32 adolescent competitive cyclists aged 12-15 years will be randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to either the intervention group receiving percussion massage therapy (PMT) or the control group undergoing passive rest.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 26, 2025
• First Posted: October 3, 2025
• Study Start: September 30, 2025
• Primary Completion: November 14, 2025
• Study Completion: November 14, 2025
• Last Updated: December 30, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-12

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)