Effectiveness of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Myofascial Release in Reducing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in the Cervicothoracic Region (COMPARE-DOMS)
21 de mayo de 2026 actualizado por: Iqra Majeed, Green International University
To Compare the Effectiveness of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation ( IASTM ) and Myofascial Release to Reducing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness ( DOMS ) on Cervicothoracic Region
The current study is a randomized controlled trail comparing the effectiveness of IASTM and Myofascial Release for individuals with DOMS at cervicothoracic region.
The trail aims to evaluate improvements in pain, ROM, and neck disability.
Interventions will be delivered twice weekly for a specific duration.
The primary outcomes is pain reduction, while the secondary outcomes include improved disability level and ROM.
To conclude, IASTM demonstrated a significantly higher improvement compared to MFR in acute cervicothoracic DOMS in terms of pain, disability level, and ROM in all directions tested in adults.
Descripción general del estudio
Estado
Terminado
Intervención / Tratamiento
Descripción detallada
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a physiological condition that develops in the course of time after strenuous unaccustomed physical exertion. In particular, DOMS occurs mostly in response to eccentric muscle actions, i.e., when muscle fibers lengthen while still performing work. Examples of eccentric actions may be, among others, lowering the load (weight training), downhill running, decelerating movements, and controlled return phase of resistance exercise (1). Unlike most types of physiological phenomena, DOMS usually develops after some period of time. Typically, it appears 12-24 hours after the workout and reaches its peak in 24-72 hours; afterwards, it will subside gradually over several days. DOMS is considered a normal adaptation reaction of the muscle. However, despite being physiologically beneficial and helping to adapt skeletal muscles to subsequent exercises through repeated bout phenomenon, DOMS may lead to considerable discomfort and even affect a person's quality of life. As the result of damage of muscle fibers and adjacent connective tissue in response to unaccustomed mechanical load, inflammatory reaction, swelling, and stimulation of pain receptors occurs. These processes are responsible for characteristic soreness associated with DOMS, which may impair individual's ability to perform certain activities and exercise.
The randomization process took place after participants were screened and underwent baseline assessment. Then, those who met the criteria were randomly allocated to Group A and Group B. Those patients in Group A were assigned to receive Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, whereas those participants who belonged to Group B were subjected to Myofascial Release. Random allocation was performed by a computer and carried out through opaque sealed envelopes opened by an independent individual.
Tipo de estudio
Intervencionista
Inscripción (Actual)
58
Fase
- No aplica
Contactos y Ubicaciones
Esta sección proporciona los datos de contacto de quienes realizan el estudio e información sobre dónde se lleva a cabo este estudio.
Ubicaciones de estudio
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Sheikhupura
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Lahore, Sheikhupura, Pakistán
- Green International University
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-
Criterios de participación
Los investigadores buscan personas que se ajusten a una determinada descripción, denominada criterio de elegibilidad. Algunos ejemplos de estos criterios son el estado de salud general de una persona o tratamientos previos.
Criterio de elegibilidad
Edades elegibles para estudiar
- Adulto
Acepta Voluntarios Saludables
No
Descripción
Inclusion Criteria:
- Participants aged between 30 and 40 years.
- Individuals presenting with delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the cervicothoracic region.
- Willingness to participate in either the IASTM or myofascial release intervention protocols.
- Ability to understand and sign the informed consent form.
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of recent cervical or thoracic spine surgery, fractures, or severe trauma in the region.
- Presence of open wounds, active skin infections, or severe dermatological conditions in the cervicothoracic area where interventions will be applied.
- Diagnosed neurological deficits, cervical radiculopathy, or myelopathy.
- Known contraindications to soft tissue mobilization or manual therapy (e.g., severe osteoporosis, bleeding disorders, or anticoagulant use).
- Current use of muscle relaxants, heavy analgesics, or NSAIDs that could mask DOMS symptoms during the study period.
Plan de estudios
Esta sección proporciona detalles del plan de estudio, incluido cómo está diseñado el estudio y qué mide el estudio.
¿Cómo está diseñado el estudio?
Detalles de diseño
- Propósito principal: Tratamiento
- Asignación: Aleatorizado
- Modelo Intervencionista: Asignación paralela
- Enmascaramiento: Triple
Armas e Intervenciones
Grupo de participantes/brazo |
Intervención / Tratamiento |
|---|---|
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Experimental: IASTM
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a type of therapy where the practitioner utilizes unique instruments that are made of either metals or hard plastics that have smooth curved surfaces to glide on the skin surface to work on soft tissues.
IASTM helps in identifying and breaking down areas of muscle tightness and adhesion.
Blood flow is stimulated, pain, stiffness, and soreness are minimized, and mobility of the tissues is enhanced, thereby increasing joint range of motion.
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The participants in this group were given the Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM).
They were rubbed with a very small amount of gel or lotion to allow easy mobilization of the tool over the skin.
The instrument has been developed to treat conditions of the cervical-thoracic joint region.
The instrument was applied over the upper trapezius muscle and the cervicothoracic joint region using controlled unidirectional strokes for 8-10 minutes each day with moderate pressure.
The process was done once every day for 2-3 days after the occurrence of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Group B: Myofascial Release Those who fell under Group B were subjected to myofascial release.
The physiotherapist used hands to apply slow and gentle pressure on the tissues that needed release.
Fascia and muscles of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and cervicothoracic paraspinal muscles were applied pressure on until there was release of the
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Comparador activo: Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release (MFR) is an effective therapeutic massage technique that can be utilized to relieve muscle and fascia pain and tightness.
The practitioner uses a series of gentle stretching or applying sustained pressure on areas where tension is felt until the fascia releases.
Such release eases pain, improves circulation, joint mobility and muscle motion, enhances flexibility and posture
|
The participants in this group were given the Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM).
They were rubbed with a very small amount of gel or lotion to allow easy mobilization of the tool over the skin.
The instrument has been developed to treat conditions of the cervical-thoracic joint region.
The instrument was applied over the upper trapezius muscle and the cervicothoracic joint region using controlled unidirectional strokes for 8-10 minutes each day with moderate pressure.
The process was done once every day for 2-3 days after the occurrence of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Group B: Myofascial Release Those who fell under Group B were subjected to myofascial release.
The physiotherapist used hands to apply slow and gentle pressure on the tissues that needed release.
Fascia and muscles of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and cervicothoracic paraspinal muscles were applied pressure on until there was release of the
|
¿Qué mide el estudio?
Medidas de resultado primarias
Medida de resultado |
Medida Descripción |
Periodo de tiempo |
|---|---|---|
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Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline (pre-induction), Post-DOMS induction (24 hours), 48 hours, and 72 hours.
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The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a 100 mm continuous line used to self-report cervicothoracic pain intensity.
The scale ranges from 0 mm (indicating "no pain") to 100 mm (indicating "worst imaginable pain").
Participants mark a point on the line that represents their current pain perception at rest and during active movement.
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Baseline (pre-induction), Post-DOMS induction (24 hours), 48 hours, and 72 hours.
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Medidas de resultado secundarias
Medida de resultado |
Medida Descripción |
Periodo de tiempo |
|---|---|---|
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Cervical Range of Motion (CROM)
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline (pre-induction), Post-DOMS induction (24 hours), 48 hours, and 72 hours.
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Active cervical range of motion will be measured in degrees using a digital inclinometer or a cervical range of motion instrument.
Movement planes will include cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion (left and right), and rotation (left and right).
Decreased ranges indicate higher functional restriction due to muscle soreness.
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Baseline (pre-induction), Post-DOMS induction (24 hours), 48 hours, and 72 hours.
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Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline (pre-induction), Post-DOMS induction (24 hours), 48 hours, and 72 hours.
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Pressure pain threshold will be measured in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm²) using a digital hand-held pressure algometer applied over standardized trigger points in the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles.
PPT determines the minimum pressure at which a sensation of pressure changes to pain.
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Baseline (pre-induction), Post-DOMS induction (24 hours), 48 hours, and 72 hours.
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Colaboradores e Investigadores
Aquí es donde encontrará personas y organizaciones involucradas en este estudio.
Patrocinador
Investigadores
- Investigador principal: Iqra Majeed Principal Investigator, Green International University, Lahore, Punjab
Fechas de registro del estudio
Estas fechas rastrean el progreso del registro del estudio y los envíos de resultados resumidos a ClinicalTrials.gov. Los registros del estudio y los resultados informados son revisados por la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina (NLM) para asegurarse de que cumplan con los estándares de control de calidad específicos antes de publicarlos en el sitio web público.
Fechas importantes del estudio
Inicio del estudio (Actual)
6 de abril de 2026
Finalización primaria (Actual)
29 de abril de 2026
Finalización del estudio (Actual)
6 de mayo de 2026
Fechas de registro del estudio
Enviado por primera vez
15 de mayo de 2026
Primero enviado que cumplió con los criterios de control de calidad
21 de mayo de 2026
Publicado por primera vez (Actual)
27 de mayo de 2026
Actualizaciones de registros de estudio
Última actualización publicada (Actual)
27 de mayo de 2026
Última actualización enviada que cumplió con los criterios de control de calidad
21 de mayo de 2026
Última verificación
1 de mayo de 2026
Más información
Términos relacionados con este estudio
Palabras clave
Términos MeSH relevantes adicionales
Otros números de identificación del estudio
- GIU/REC/26-25
Plan de datos de participantes individuales (IPD)
¿Planea compartir datos de participantes individuales (IPD)?
SÍ
Descripción del plan IPD
Only IPD used in the results publication will be shared
Marco de tiempo para compartir IPD
It will be available after the completion of study.
Criterios de acceso compartido de IPD
Through the corresponding author.
Tipo de información de apoyo para compartir IPD
- PROTOCOLO DE ESTUDIO
- SAVIA
- CIF
- RSC
Información sobre medicamentos y dispositivos, documentos del estudio
Estudia un producto farmacéutico regulado por la FDA de EE. UU.
No
Estudia un producto de dispositivo regulado por la FDA de EE. UU.
No
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