Comparison of the Effectiveness of Different Myofascial Release Techniques for the Pectoralis Minor Muscle

April 28, 2025 updated by: Büşra Aksan Sadıkoğlu, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of self-myofascial release, myofascial release with a physiotherapist and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) techniques for the pectoralis minor muscle on pectoralis minor muscle length, rounded shoulder posture, glenohumeral joint total rotation range of motion (ROM) and skin temperature in asymptomatic individuals.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Completed

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

In the literature, the effects of myofascial release and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) applications on individuals with pectoralis minor muscle are investigated, but the available evidence is insufficient. In a study conducted in asymptomatic individuals, self-myofascial release was found to be more effective than placebo application in increasing glenohumeral flexion joint range of motion (ROM), improving pectoralis minor length and advanced scapular posture. However, there was one study comparing the short-term effectiveness of the self-myofascial release method and IASTM methods on pectoralis minor length, glenohumeral total arch movement and skin temperature in individuals with short pectoralis minor, and the results of both applications were found to be similar. Despite these studies in the current literature, the amount of evidence examining the effectiveness of myofascial release technique performed under the guidance of a physiotherapist in individuals with short pectoralis minor is insufficient. However, the number of studies comparing the immediate and short-term effects of different myofascial release methods on the pectoralis minor muscle lengthening is few. Given the limited evidence available, different myofascial release methods may produce different short-term responses on the pectoralis minor muscle, with different results on muscle length, scapular position, glenohumeral total arch motion, and superficial skin temperature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of 3 different myofascial release techniques on pectoralis minor muscle length, rounded shoulder posture, glenohumeral joint total rotation ROM and skin temperature in asymptomatic individuals.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
39

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Locations

  • Turkey
      • Istanbul, Turkey
        • Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years to 35 years (Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • between the ages of 18-35
  • Presence of pectoralis minor shortness
  • Not having any upper extremity injury in the last 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Presence of upper extremity surgery in the last 12 months
  • Presence of neurological disorder in the upper extremity
  • Any sensory problems or open wounds around the shoulder

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Double

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Active Comparator: Self Myofascial Release
Self Myofascial Release only
Other: Self Myofascial Release
In the self-myofascial release technique, a tennis ball will be placed on the 4th rib on the shoulder side to be applied on the wall, and the participants will be asked to move the ball using their body along the pectoralis minor.
Active Comparator: Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release with Physical Therapist Only
Other: Myofascial Release
A slight caudal force will be applied by the physiotherapist until the pectoralis minor muscle meets the comfortable elastic limit of the soft tissue.
Active Comparator: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Only
Other: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization will be performed with the specified instruments for the pectoralis minor muscle.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
pectoralis minor length
Time Frame: Baseline (first assessment)
The length of the pectoralis minor muscle will be evaluated by the physiotherapist by calculating the pectoralis minor index (PMI), which is an objective evaluation method. In the calculation of PMI, the distance between the inferomedial of the coracoid process and the caudal edge of the 4th rib in the sternum will be evaluated with a tape measure to measure the length of the pectoralis minor muscle, and the values will be recorded in centimeters. Then, the measured pectoralis minor muscle length value will be calculated by dividing the participant's height in centimeters multiplied by 100. The reference value for PMI is 7.44%.
Baseline (first assessment)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
pectoralis minor length
Time Frame: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
The length of the pectoralis minor muscle will be evaluated by the physiotherapist by calculating the pectoralis minor index (PMI), which is an objective evaluation method. In the calculation of PMI, the distance between the inferomedial of the coracoid process and the caudal edge of the 4th rib in the sternum will be evaluated with a tape measure to measure the length of the pectoralis minor muscle, and the values will be recorded in centimeters. Then, the measured pectoralis minor muscle length value will be calculated by dividing the participant's height in centimeters multiplied by 100. The reference value for PMI is 7.44%.
Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
rounded shoulder posture
Time Frame: Baseline (first assessment)
The distance between the posterior border of the acromion and the table will be measured using a ruler while the patient is lying on her back, and the values will be recorded in cm
Baseline (first assessment)
rounded shoulder posture
Time Frame: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
The distance between the posterior border of the acromion and the table will be measured using a ruler while the patient is lying on her back, and the values will be recorded in cm.
Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
glenohumeral joint total rotation ROM
Time Frame: Baseline (first assessment)
The total value of the internal and external rotation angles of the glenohumeral joint will be measured with a digital inclinometer. After the inclinometer is placed on the patient's forearm, the glenohumeral joint total ROM will be recorded by passively externally and internally rotating the arms in the 90° flexion-90° abduction position.
Baseline (first assessment)
glenohumeral joint total rotation ROM
Time Frame: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
The total value of the internal and external rotation angles of the glenohumeral joint will be measured with a digital inclinometer. After the inclinometer is placed on the patient's forearm, the glenohumeral joint total ROM will be recorded by passively externally and internally rotating the arms in the 90° flexion-90° abduction position.
Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
skin temperature
Time Frame: Baseline (first assessment)
An infrared skin thermometer will be used to measure skin temperature.
Baseline (first assessment)
skin temperature
Time Frame: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
An infrared skin thermometer will be used to measure skin temperature.
Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
number of trigger points
Time Frame: Baseline (first assessment)
The presence of myofascial trigger points in the pectoralis minor muscle will be evaluated manually according to the Travel and Simons criteria. The total number will be recorded.
Baseline (first assessment)
number of trigger points
Time Frame: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
The presence of myofascial trigger point (MTN) in the pectoralis minor muscle will be evaluated manually according to the Travel and Simons criteria. The total number will be recorded.
Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
pressure pain threshold
Time Frame: Baseline (first assessment)
In order to evaluate the pain threshold of the pectoralis minor muscle, a pressure algometer (Baseline Push-Pull Force Gauge®, Fabrication Enterprises, Inc.) that can measure the pressure in pounds (Lb) and kilograms (kg), with a 1 cm diameter circular rubber disc attached to the piston at the end, will be used. Measurements will be recorded in kg/cm².
Baseline (first assessment)
pressure pain threshold
Time Frame: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
In order to evaluate the pain threshold of the pectoralis minor muscle, a pressure algometer (Baseline Push-Pull Force Gauge®, Fabrication Enterprises, Inc.) that can measure the pressure in pounds (Lb) and kilograms (kg), with a 1 cm diameter circular rubber disc attached to the piston at the end, will be used. Measurements will be recorded in kg/cm².
Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
August 1, 2022

Primary Completion (Actual)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
August 1, 2023

Study Completion (Actual)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
August 1, 2023

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
June 14, 2022

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
June 20, 2022

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
June 23, 2022

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
April 30, 2025

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
April 28, 2025

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
April 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • IstanbulUC-2022

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

UNDECIDED

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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