Effectiveness of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Myofascial Release in Reducing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in the Cervicothoracic Region

NCT07609498 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: GIU/REC/26-25
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 58
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The current study is a randomized controlled trail comparing the effectiveness of IASTM and Myofascial Release for individuals with DOMS at cervicothoracic region. The trail aims to evaluate improvements in pain, ROM, and neck disability. Interventions will be delivered twice weekly for a specific duration. The primary outcomes is pain reduction, while the secondary outcomes include improved disability level and ROM. To conclude, IASTM demonstrated a significantly higher improvement compared to MFR in acute cervicothoracic DOMS in terms of pain, disability level, and ROM in all directions tested in adults.

Conditions

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS); Muscle Soreness; Myalgia

Keywords

Myofascial Release; IASTM; DOMS; Neck Disability; Cervical ROM

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain

  The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a 100 mm continuous line used to self-report cervicothoracic pain intensity. The scale ranges from 0 mm (indicating "no pain") to 100 mm (indicating "worst imaginable pain"). Participants mark a point on the line that represents their current pain perception at rest and during active movement.

  Baseline (pre-induction), Post-DOMS induction (24 hours), 48 hours, and 72 hours.

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Cervical Range of Motion (CROM)

  Baseline (pre-induction), Post-DOMS induction (24 hours), 48 hours, and 72 hours.

• Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)

  Baseline (pre-induction), Post-DOMS induction (24 hours), 48 hours, and 72 hours.

Study Arms (2)

IASTM

EXPERIMENTAL

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a type of therapy where the practitioner utilizes unique instruments that are made of either metals or hard plastics that have smooth curved surfaces to glide on the skin surface to work on soft tissues. IASTM helps in identifying and breaking down areas of muscle tightness and adhesion. Blood flow is stimulated, pain, stiffness, and soreness are minimized, and mobility of the tissues is enhanced, thereby increasing joint range of motion.

Procedure: IASTM; Procedure: MFR

Myofascial Release

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Myofascial Release (MFR) is an effective therapeutic massage technique that can be utilized to relieve muscle and fascia pain and tightness. The practitioner uses a series of gentle stretching or applying sustained pressure on areas where tension is felt until the fascia releases. Such release eases pain, improves circulation, joint mobility and muscle motion, enhances flexibility and posture

Procedure: IASTM; Procedure: MFR

Interventions

IASTM PROCEDURE

The participants in this group were given the Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). They were rubbed with a very small amount of gel or lotion to allow easy mobilization of the tool over the skin. The instrument has been developed to treat conditions of the cervical-thoracic joint region. The instrument was applied over the upper trapezius muscle and the cervicothoracic joint region using controlled unidirectional strokes for 8-10 minutes each day with moderate pressure. The process was done once every day for 2-3 days after the occurrence of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

IASTM; Myofascial Release

MFR PROCEDURE

Group B: Myofascial Release Those who fell under Group B were subjected to myofascial release. The physiotherapist used hands to apply slow and gentle pressure on the tissues that needed release. Fascia and muscles of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and cervicothoracic paraspinal muscles were applied pressure on until there was release of the

IASTM; Myofascial Release

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 30 Years - 40 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Participants aged between 30 and 40 years.
• Individuals presenting with delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the cervicothoracic region.
• Willingness to participate in either the IASTM or myofascial release intervention protocols.
• Ability to understand and sign the informed consent form.

You may not qualify if:

• History of recent cervical or thoracic spine surgery, fractures, or severe trauma in the region.
• Presence of open wounds, active skin infections, or severe dermatological conditions in the cervicothoracic area where interventions will be applied.
• Diagnosed neurological deficits, cervical radiculopathy, or myelopathy.
• Known contraindications to soft tissue mobilization or manual therapy (e.g., severe osteoporosis, bleeding disorders, or anticoagulant use).
• Current use of muscle relaxants, heavy analgesics, or NSAIDs that could mask DOMS symptoms during the study period.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Green International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Green International University

Lahore, Sheikhupura, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Myalgia

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Muscular Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Neuromuscular Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Musculoskeletal Pain; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• Iqra Majeed Principal Investigator

  Green International University, Lahore, Punjab

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: TRIPLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, CARE PROVIDER, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: The study uses a single masking in which the outcome assessor is blinded to group allocation. Participants will be assigned to either the IASTM group or the Myofascial Release group by an independent researcher who is not involved in the assessment. The assessor responsible for recording baseline and post intervention outcomes ( VAS, NDI, Universal goniometer) will not be informed of the participants intervention group. To maintain blinding, participants will be instructed not to disclose their group assignment during assessments.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: This study uses a randomized, parallel-group design in which participants diagnosed with DOMS at cervicothoracic region are assigned into one of two intervention arms. Participants randomly allocated to either ( 1) IASTM or Myofascial Release alone. Before the baseline assessment was conducted on them, no form of treatment has been done on the participants. Participants were asked not to engage in any form of therapy or take medication throughout the study period. The interventions will be delivered over a 4 week period, and the outcomes will be compared between groups to evaluate the effects IASTM and MFR.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 15, 2026
• First Posted: May 27, 2026
• Study Start: April 6, 2026
• Primary Completion: April 29, 2026
• Study Completion: May 6, 2026
• Last Updated: May 27, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL, SAP, ICF, CSR
• Time Frame: It will be available after the completion of study.
• Access Criteria: Through the corresponding author.

Locations

PA (1)