Acute Effects of Gastrocnemius Myofascial Release on Cervical Flexion and Extension Range of Motion in Healthy Adults

Acute Effects of Gastrocnemius Myofascial Release on Cervical Flexion and Extension Range of Motion in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to verify the immediate effects of gastrocnemius myofascial release on the active cervical flexion and extension range of motion.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Healthy
• Intervention / Treatment: Device: Dynamic foam rolling

Detailed Description

After completing the questionnaire, 91 healthy participants will be randomly divided into two groups: the Intervention Group (IG) (n=46) and the Control Group (CG) (n=45). In the first assessment (M0), the range of motion of cervical flexion and extension will be measured using a smartphone (Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Android) and the Clinometer application. The myofascial release technique (foam roller) will be applied to the gastrocnemius of the dominant lower limb for 4 minutes (3 sets of 1 minute with 30 seconds of rest). Participants in the control group will remain at complete rest for a period of 4 minutes, lying in the supine position, without performing any type of active or passive intervention. Immediately after the intervention/control, all groups will be reassessed (M1).

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 90
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Portugal
  • Porto, Portugal, 4249-004
    • Escola Superior de Saúde Fernando Pessoa

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy participants of both sexes aged 18-40 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Deformities in the lower quadrant region of the body;
• Complaints in this region in the last 6 months;
• Surgical procedures or musculoskeletal, cardiac, renal, metabolic, neurological and or oncological pathologies;
• Limb length discrepancy greater than 1.5 cm;
• Pregnant women;
• Ingestion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or consumption of any type of narcotic drugs and participants who have drunk alcohol in the last 12 hours.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Health Services Research
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
No Intervention: Control group; The participants will remain at rest in a chair for 4 minutes.
Active Comparator: Intervention group; A myofascial release technique will be performed using a foam roller (Blackroll Standard, 30 x 15 cm) on the dominant lower limb. For the Intervention Group (IG), the technique will be applied to the gastrocnemius muscles. In this group, participants will adopt a semi-seated position on a mat, supported by their arms while keeping the body well aligned. The movement will be performed in the direction of the muscle fibers (cephalocaudal), ensuring the accuracy of the technique. The foam roller will be in contact with the targeted muscle, and the participant will apply pressure until experiencing slight discomfort. In this way, a self-massage will be performed following the direction of the muscle fibers.	Device: Dynamic foam rolling; The foam roller will be in contact with the muscle being tested and the patient will exert a load until they feel a slight pain. In this way, the patient performs a self-massage in the direction of the muscle fibers.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Change of active cervical range of motion in flexion and extension.	Data will be collected at two time points: baseline assessment (M0) and after the intervention/control (M1). Participants will be instructed to sit with their spine straight and supported against the backrest of the chair, with ankles, knees, and hips positioned at 90 degrees. Arms will remain crossed over the chest to prevent compensatory thoracic movements. Before the test begins, each participant will be asked to actively perform the flexion and extension movements to the limit of their range of motion, aiming to reduce stiffness and promote familiarization with the assessment protocol. Measurements will be taken three times for each movement (active flexion and extension), with 30-second rest intervals between each measurement. The average of the three values will be calculated and recorded as the final value.	Change from Baseline (M0) to Immediately after intervention or control (M1)

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University Fernando Pessoa

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): June 15, 2025
• Primary Completion (Actual): July 4, 2025
• Study Completion (Actual): July 30, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: June 9, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 9, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): June 17, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): May 6, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 5, 2026
• Last Verified: May 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Other Study ID Numbers: ESS/LFST-706/25-2

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No