Comparative Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Percussion Vibration Therapy on Balance, Explosive Strength, and Functional Performance in Competitive Adolescent Rowers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 45
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Y Balance Test Composite Score
研究概览
简要总结
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.
详细描述
Rowing is a high-performance sport that demands coordinated action of the upper and lower extremities, trunk muscles, and cardiovascular system. Due to repetitive pulling movements, rowers are prone to musculoskeletal overload injuries, particularly in the lower back, shoulders, knees, and ankles. Effective balance control and lower extremity explosive strength are critical for performance enhancement and injury prevention in rowing athletes. Soft tissue mobilization techniques and vibration therapies are emerging modalities that may enhance muscle flexibility, joint mobility, and neuromuscular activation, thereby contributing to athletic performance.
This randomized controlled study is designed to evaluate the effects of two different interventions-instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) using the Graston technique, and percussion massage therapy using a handheld massage gun-on balance, explosive strength, and functional performance in competitive adolescent rowers aged 13-18. A total of 45 athletes meeting inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: Vibration Group (percussion therapy at 33Hz), Soft Tissue Mobilization Group (IASTM), and Control Group (no intervention). Both interventions will be applied to the quadriceps femoris and gastrocnemius muscles over standardized durations and protocols.
Functional outcomes will be measured using the Y Balance Test, vertical jump test, single-leg hop tests (single, triple, crossover, square hop), and a 6-meter timed hop. Muscle strength will be evaluated using a myometer to assess isometric force production of the quadriceps and gastrosoleus muscles. Assessments will be conducted pre- and post-intervention.
The study is expected to provide clinically relevant data on the efficacy of myofascial techniques in enhancing functional capacity and performance parameters in young elite athletes. Findings may support the incorporation of soft tissue techniques and vibration therapy into performance training and injury prevention protocols for rowing and similar sports.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- Double (Participant, Outcomes Assessor)
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 13 Years 至 18 Years（Child, Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 是
入选标准
- •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
排除标准
- •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
研究组 & 干预措施
Control Group
Participants in this group will not receive any intervention.
Vibration Therapy (33 Hz) Group
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.
干预措施: a percussion massage gun (Device)
Soft Tissue Mobilization Group
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.
干预措施: specially designed stainless-steel instruments (Device)
结局指标
主要结局
Y Balance Test Composite Score
时间窗: Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention
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.
次要结局
- Isometric Muscle Strength of Quadriceps and Gastrocnemius(Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention)
- Vertical Jump Height(Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention)
- 6-Meter Timed Hop Test(Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention)
- Single-Leg Hop Tests(Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention)
研究者
Emre DANSUK
Principal Investigator
Medipol University