Movement Quality and Mechanical Properties of the Muscle

March 12, 2026 updated by: Ali Zorlular, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University

Association Between Movement Quality and Passive Mechanical Properties of Skeletal Muscle in Healthy Adults

Movement quality is considered a comprehensive indicator of neuromuscular control, segmental stability, and efficient force transmission, and is recognized as an important determinant of musculoskeletal health and functional performance. Optimal movement patterns help distribute joint loading appropriately, whereas suboptimal movement strategies may contribute to increased biomechanical stress and the development of overuse injuries over time. In recent years, the passive mechanical properties of muscle (stiffness, tone, and elasticity) have been suggested to influence segmental stability and movement control; however, the relationship between these variables has not been sufficiently investigated in healthy populations. The aim of this study is to examine the association between movement quality and the passive mechanical properties of skeletal muscle in healthy adults.

Healthy adult individuals will be included in the study. The sample size was determined based on a priori power analysis, and a total of 42 participants will be recruited. Movement quality will be assessed using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). The FMS is a standardized screening tool consisting of seven fundamental movement tasks designed to evaluate basic movement patterns. Each task will be scored on a scale from 0 to 3, and the total score (0-21 points) will be used as an indicator of overall movement quality. The passive mechanical properties of muscle (stiffness, tone, and elasticity) will be measured using a portable and non-invasive device, the MyotonPRO 5, from the quadriceps, hamstring, gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and erector spinae muscles. Measurements will be performed at standardized anatomical reference points with the muscle in a relaxed position. The device probe will be placed perpendicular to the skin surface over the muscle, and the passive viscoelastic response of the tissue will be recorded. The relationship between variables will be analyzed using Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis, depending on data distribution characteristics.

Study Overview

Status

Active, not recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Actual)

42

Contacts and Locations

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

Study Locations

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

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The research population consists of healthy individuals who do not have a regular exercise habit.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Female and male participants aged 18-40
  • Inactive individuals according to IPAQ Physical Activity Level
  • Individuals who volunteered to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Individuals who exercise and play sports regularly
  • Individuals with a history of surgery within the last 6 months
  • Individuals with active pain

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

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Functional Movement Screen
Time Frame: From enrollment to the end of evaluation at 4 weeks
Movement quality will be assessed using FMS. There are a total of 7 subtests. These consist of basic movement patterns performed using body weight. Movement quality will be scored by the researchers. In the test, the minimum score is 0 and the maximum is 21, and an increase in the score reflects an increase in the quality of the movement.
From enrollment to the end of evaluation at 4 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Muscle Viscoelasticity
Time Frame: rom enrollment to the end of assesment at 4 weeks
The passive mechanical properties of the muscle will be measured with the MyotonPro device. It is a non-invasive procedure. The device's probe is placed on the skin at a right angle, and the tissue's response is recorded by the device.
rom enrollment to the end of assesment at 4 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

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

Sponsor

Nigde Omer Halisdemir University

Investigators

  • Study Director: Rabia Zorlular, PhD, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

  • Lee, Y., Kim, M., & Lee, H. (2021). The measurement of stiffness for major muscles with shear wave elastography and myoton: a quantitative analysis study. Diagnostics, 11(3), 524.
  • Cook, G., Burton, L., Hoogenboom, B. J., & Voight, M. (2014). Functional movement screening: the use of fundamental movements as an assessment of function-part 1. International journal of sports physical therapy, 9(3), 396.
  • Kalkhoven, J. T., & Watsford, M. L. (2018). The relationship between mechanical stiffness and athletic performance markers in sub-elite footballers. Journal of sports sciences, 36(9), 1022-1029.

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)

March 7, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

April 15, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

April 15, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

March 9, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 9, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

March 13, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

March 16, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 12, 2026

Last Verified

March 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Other Study ID Numbers

  • FMS

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

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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