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

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.

Completed

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy

Age range

18 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Escola Superior de Saúde Fernando Pessoa

Porto, 4249-004, Portugal

About this study

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).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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.

Treatment and study plan

Dynamic foam rolling

Device

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.

Primary outcomes

Change of active cervical range of motion in flexion and extension.

Time frame: Change from Baseline (M0) to Immediately after intervention or control (M1)

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.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University Fernando Pessoa

Other

Registry information

Official study title

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

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Jun 17, 2025
Registry last updated: May 6, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed