Design and validation of calf muscle mobilization device to improve pain relief and functional mobility

Calf muscle dysfunction, including pain, tightness, spasm, and venous congestion, is a frequent clinical problem affecting individuals across sedentary and physically active populations, often resulting in discomfort and impaired functional mobility. Conventional management approaches such as manual therapy, stretching, and compression modalities, while widely used, are commonly limited by therapist dependence, inconsistent application, and lack of standardization. To address these limitations, a self-operated device for calf muscle mobilization was designed and developed to deliver controlled, graded distal-to-proximal compression and soft tissue mobilization, simulating the physiological action of the calf muscle pump.

This study aimed to design and validate the device and to evaluate its clinical effects on pain, muscle flexibility, balance, and functional performance. The device was engineered to produce standardized, repeatable dual mode (mild and moderate comression) compression–relaxation cycles (7+8 seconds) with adjustable intensity and treatment duration, emphasizing safety, comfort, and reproducibility. The evaluation will be done before and after the 5-10 minutes of device for calf muscle mobilization, including pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) as an indicator of calf muscle flexibility, functional mobility measured through the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, static balance assessed by the Single Leg Stand Test, and calf muscle endurance evaluated using the Single Leg Heel Raise Test. User satisfaction and perceived usability were assessed using the QUEST 2.0 questionnaire. Device reliability was also examined.

The device functions by applying rhythmic, graded compression in a distal-to-proximal sequence, aiming to facilitate soft tissue mobilization, reduce muscle discomfort and tightness, and support venous return. The selected outcome measures (VAS, ankle dorsiflexion ROM, TUG, Single Leg Stand Test, Single Leg Heel Raise Test, and QUEST 2.0) enabled objective assessment of pain, flexibility, balance, muscular endurance, functional mobility, and user satisfaction following device use. This framework supports systematic evaluation of the device’s therapeutic utility and clinical applicability.