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 mei 2026 bijgewerkt door: 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.
Studie Overzicht
Toestand
Voltooid
Interventie / Behandeling
Gedetailleerde beschrijving
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.
Studietype
Ingrijpend
Inschrijving (Werkelijk)
58
Fase
- Niet toepasbaar
Contacten en locaties
In dit gedeelte vindt u de contactgegevens van degenen die het onderzoek uitvoeren en informatie over waar dit onderzoek wordt uitgevoerd.
Studie Locaties
-
-
Sheikhupura
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Lahore, Sheikhupura, Pakistan
- Green International University
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Deelname Criteria
Onderzoekers zoeken naar mensen die aan een bepaalde beschrijving voldoen, de zogenaamde geschiktheidscriteria. Enkele voorbeelden van deze criteria zijn iemands algemene gezondheidstoestand of eerdere behandelingen.
Geschiktheidscriteria
Leeftijden die in aanmerking komen voor studie
- Volwassen
Accepteert gezonde vrijwilligers
Nee
Beschrijving
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.
Studie plan
Dit gedeelte bevat details van het studieplan, inclusief hoe de studie is opgezet en wat de studie meet.
Hoe is de studie opgezet?
Ontwerpdetails
- Primair doel: Behandeling
- Toewijzing: Gerandomiseerd
- Interventioneel model: Parallelle opdracht
- Masker: Verdrievoudigen
Wapens en interventies
Deelnemersgroep / Arm |
Interventie / Behandeling |
|---|---|
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Experimenteel: 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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Actieve vergelijker: 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
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Wat meet het onderzoek?
Primaire uitkomstmaten
Uitkomstmaat |
Maatregel Beschrijving |
Tijdsspanne |
|---|---|---|
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Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain
Tijdsspanne: 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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Secundaire uitkomstmaten
Uitkomstmaat |
Maatregel Beschrijving |
Tijdsspanne |
|---|---|---|
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Cervical Range of Motion (CROM)
Tijdsspanne: 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)
Tijdsspanne: 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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Medewerkers en onderzoekers
Hier vindt u mensen en organisaties die betrokken zijn bij dit onderzoek.
Sponsor
Onderzoekers
- Hoofdonderzoeker: Iqra Majeed Principal Investigator, Green International University, Lahore, Punjab
Studie record data
Deze datums volgen de voortgang van het onderzoeksdossier en de samenvatting van de ingediende resultaten bij ClinicalTrials.gov. Studieverslagen en gerapporteerde resultaten worden beoordeeld door de National Library of Medicine (NLM) om er zeker van te zijn dat ze voldoen aan specifieke kwaliteitscontrolenormen voordat ze op de openbare website worden geplaatst.
Bestudeer belangrijke data
Studie start (Werkelijk)
6 april 2026
Primaire voltooiing (Werkelijk)
29 april 2026
Studie voltooiing (Werkelijk)
6 mei 2026
Studieregistratiedata
Eerst ingediend
15 mei 2026
Eerst ingediend dat voldeed aan de QC-criteria
21 mei 2026
Eerst geplaatst (Werkelijk)
27 mei 2026
Updates van studierecords
Laatste update geplaatst (Werkelijk)
27 mei 2026
Laatste update ingediend die voldeed aan QC-criteria
21 mei 2026
Laatst geverifieerd
1 mei 2026
Meer informatie
Termen gerelateerd aan deze studie
Trefwoorden
Aanvullende relevante MeSH-voorwaarden
Andere studie-ID-nummers
- GIU/REC/26-25
Plan Individuele Deelnemersgegevens (IPD)
Bent u van plan om gegevens van individuele deelnemers (IPD) te delen?
JA
Beschrijving IPD-plan
Only IPD used in the results publication will be shared
IPD-tijdsbestek voor delen
It will be available after the completion of study.
IPD-toegangscriteria voor delen
Through the corresponding author.
IPD delen Ondersteunend informatietype
- LEERPROTOCOOL
- SAP
- ICF
- MVO
Informatie over medicijnen en apparaten, studiedocumenten
Bestudeert een door de Amerikaanse FDA gereguleerd geneesmiddel
Nee
Bestudeert een door de Amerikaanse FDA gereguleerd apparaatproduct
Nee
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