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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07688850

Effect of Three Force Magnitudes During the Cross-Hand Technique in the Thoracolumbar Region on the Myofascial System in Healthy Adults

Orthopedic Manual Therapy (OMT) employs specific manual techniques to assess and treat musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Among these, the Myofascial Induction Method (MIM) and its "crossed hands" technique are designed to restore fascial mobility and hydration through sustained mechanical forces. However, the lack of standardization (particularly regarding applied force) limits reproducibility and clinical consistency. The objective of this research is to compare the effects of three force magnitudes (2 kg, 5 kg, and 11 kg) applied during the crossed-hands technique on fascial stiffness, thickness, pain pressure threshold, and lumbopelvic mobility in healthy adults.

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Key information

Conditions

Fascia Healthy Adult

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Universidad de La Sabana

Chía, 25001, Colombia

About this study

Introduction: Orthopedic Manual Therapy (OMT) employs specific manual techniques to assess and treat musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Among these, the Myofascial Induction Method (MIM) and its "crossed hands" technique are designed to restore fascial mobility and hydration through sustained mechanical forces. However, the lack of standardization (particularly regarding applied force) limits reproducibility and clinical consistency. Objective: To compare the effects of three force magnitudes (2 kg, 5 kg, and 11 kg) applied during the crossed-hands technique on fascial stiffness, thickness, pain pressure threshold, and lumbopelvic mobility in healthy adults. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 30 healthy participants, divided into three groups (n = 10 each). Each received a single 5-minute session of the crossed-hands technique on the thoracolumbar fascia using forces of 2 kg (G3), 5 kg (G2), or 11 kg (G1). Fascial stiffness was measured with a Shore 00 durometer, thickness via ultrasound (Mindray TE7), pain pressure threshold (PPT) by algometry, and lumbopelvic mobility using Kinovea® motion analysis.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Participants aged 18 years or older
  • Participants of both sexes
  • Apparently healthy participants

Exclusion criteria

  • Individuals with cognitive disability that limited the ability to follow instructions
  • Participants with active pain greater than 5/10 at the time of the examination
  • Participants with obesity (BMI greater than 30)
  • Individuals with active vertigo
  • Participants taking muscle relaxants at the time of the measurement,
  • Participants who had received myofascial induction within 24 hours prior to the measurement

Treatment and study plan

Myofascial release therapy

Other

Crossed hands technique. This approach is based on stimulating the myofascial system through the application of slow and gradual pressures. Its objective is to restore hydration and release deep restrictions within the soft tissue that cannot be reached with direct pressure or are difficult to identify during the initial evaluation process

Primary outcomes

  1. Pelvic mobility

    Time frame: This variable will be measured before the intervention and inmediatly after the intervention, all in the same day.

    Subjects will be placed in a standing position and instructed to touch the floor with their hands while keeping their knees extended. The variables analyzed are anterior pelvic tilt and the translation angle of the lower limbs

  2. Fascial stiffness

    Time frame: This variable will be measured before the intervention and inmediatly after the intervention, all in the same day.

    Fascial stiffness is the mechanical property of fascial tissue that reflects its resistance to changes in shape or length when subjected to an external force. It is influenced by the composition and organization of the extracellular matrix, collagen fiber arrangement, tissue hydration, and neuromuscular factors.

  3. pressure pain threshold (PPT)

    Time frame: This variable will be measured before the intervention and inmediatly after the intervention, all in the same day.

    Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) is defined as the minimum amount of pressure applied to a tissue that is perceived as painful by an individual.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Universidad de la Sabana

Other

Registry information

Acronym: MFR

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 7, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 7, 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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