Myofascial Release and 20-m Speed in Wheelchair Rugby Athletes With Spinal Cord Injury

NCT07711015 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 96879526.6.0000.5235
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 12
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to investigate the effect of myofascial release on sprint performance in wheelchair rugby athletes with spinal cord injury. Participants will complete a 20-meter sprint test on two different days in a randomized crossover design: one day without myofascial release and one day immediately after the intervention. The myofascial release will be applied to the upper limb muscles involved in wheelchair propulsion using a handheld device for 90 seconds per muscle group. Sprint performance will be measured by the time required to complete the 20-meter distance. The study will compare performance between conditions to determine whether myofascial release improves speed.

Conditions

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

Keywords

Rehabilitation; Myofascial Release Therapy; Para-Athletes; Athletic Performance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Sprint Time (20 meters wheelchair test)

  The 20-m sprint course will be marked on a flat, obstacle-free surface at the same indoor facility where the athletes regularly train, under controlled environmental conditions (wind-free environment and ambient temperature of approximately 26°C). Sprint time (s) will be measured using an electronic timing system consisting of three infrared photocell gates, positioned at the starting line, the 10-m mark, and the finish line. Participants will be instructed to complete the 20-m distance as fast as possible. The test will begin from a stationary position, with the front wheels of the wheelchair positioned immediately behind the starting line. Two trials will be performed, separated by a three-minute passive recovery period. The fastest time recorded across the two trials will be used for statistical analysis.

  Immediately after each experimental condition (with and without myofascial release), during the 20-meter sprint test sessions.

Study Arms (2)

Myofascial Release

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will perform a myofascial release session immediately before performing the 20-m wheelchair sprint test.

Other: Myofascial Release

Control

NO INTERVENTION

Participants will perform the 20-m wheelchair sprint test without receiving myofascial release or any other intervention.

Interventions

Myofascial Release OTHER

Manual myofascial release will be applied to the upper limb muscles involved in wheelchair propulsion, including the biceps brachii, brachialis, and triceps muscles. The intervention will be performed by a trained physiotherapist using a handheld device, with 90 seconds of application per muscle group. The treatment will be administered immediately prior to the 20-meter wheelchair sprint test

Myofascial Release

Eligibility Criteria

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

You may qualify if:

• Men and women
• Aged 18 years or older
• Cervical spinal cord injury (tetraplegia)
• Practice of wheelchair rugby for at leastm12 months
• Participating in team training sessions for at least 3 months prior to the study.

You may not qualify if:

• Musculoskeletal pain
• Injury that prevents completion of the study protocol.
• Wounds, pressure ulcers, or skin lesions at the site of myofascial release application
• Recreational athletes
• Medical contraindication to manual therapy
• Infection, fever, or acute illness at the time of assessment

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Centro Universitário Augusto Motta: lead

Study Sites (1)

Centro Universitário Augusto Motta

Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21032-060, Brazil

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Spinal Cord Injuries

Interventions

Myofascial Release Therapy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Spinal Cord Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Trauma, Nervous System; Wounds and Injuries

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Massage; Therapy, Soft Tissue; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Complementary Therapies; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Rehabilitation

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: This is an open-label study. Due to the nature of the manual intervention, no participants, investigators, or assessors are blinded.
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: Randomized crossover design with two conditions (myofascial release and no intervention). The order of conditions is randomized, with a 48-hour washout period between sessions. Each participant acts as their own control.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 8, 2026
• First Posted: July 17, 2026
• Study Start (Estimated): August 17, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): September 27, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): September 27, 2026
• Last Updated: July 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Locations

BR (1)