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NCT Number: NCT07564206

Foam Roller Compared to Massage on Reducing Calf Muscle Tone in Healthy Subjects

Objective: This study aims to compare the effects of two techniques-foam rolling (FR) and therapeutic massage-on reducing the muscle tone in the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) of healthy individuals.

Methods: A randomized, controlled crossover design was used with 40 healthy participants (aged 18-45). Participants were randomly assigned to either a foam roller or a therapeutic massage group. The interventions were applied to the dominant leg, and muscle tone was measured pre- and post-intervention using a MyotonPro device. The primary outcome was muscle tone (Hz), and secondary outcomes included muscle stiffness (N/m) and elasticity (D [log]).

Results: The study will assess the effectiveness of each intervention on muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity. It aims to determine whether foam rolling is as effective or superior to traditional massage in reducing calf muscle tone.

Conclusion: This research will contribute to understanding the efficacy of foam rolling as a self-administered technique for muscle tone reduction and its potential application in clinical and athletic settings

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Key information

Conditions

Muscle Tone Healthy Adult

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Age: Participants aged between 18 and 45 years.
  • Health Status: Healthy individuals with no prior musculoskeletal conditions in the lower limbs.
  • Pain-Free: Participants should not have had pain in the gastrocnemius or Achilles tendon in the last 3 months.
  • Willingness: Participants must provide informed consent and be available for the intervention and necessary evaluations.

Exclusion criteria

  • Musculoskeletal Conditions: Individuals with any pathologies in the calf muscles (gastrocnemius, soleus) or Achilles tendon.
  • Vascular or Neurological Issues: Participants with vascular diseases or neurological disorders that may interfere with the interventions or muscle response.
  • Skin Conditions: Exclusion of participants with skin alterations, infections, or open wounds in the area of intervention.
  • Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant.
  • Sensitivity Issues: Participants with altered sensitivity in the lower limbs or any condition that may affect the response to the techniques.
  • Non-Compliance: Individuals who do not provide informed consent or are not available for the required evaluations.

Treatment and study plan

Foam Roller

Other

The foam roller is used for self-myofascial release (SMR) to reduce muscle tightness and improve flexibility. In this study, participants will use the foam roller on their dominant calf muscles, rolling it up and down at a controlled pace (30 rolls per minute). The pressure applied should be moderate, staying within a pain tolerance of 6/10 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

The technique is repeated three times, with a one-minute rest between sets. The goal is to enhance muscle relaxation and reduce muscle tone

Massage

Other

The therapeutic massage used in this study involves manual techniques to reduce muscle tone and improve flexibility in the calf muscles. It includes:

  • Deep Gliding Stroke: Sliding from the upper to the lower part of the calf to relax the muscles.
  • Soleus Compression: Applying pressure to the soleus muscle with the hands to release tension.
  • Calf Compression: Applying pressure to specific points on the calf to alleviate stiffness.

Each technique lasts for 2 minutes, with a total intervention time of 8 minutes per participant. The goal is to reduce muscle tone and enhance relaxation

Primary outcomes

  1. Muscle tone

    Time frame: Pre and post intervention (immediately post foam roller procedure)

    Description: Muscle tone refers to the continuous and passive tension in a muscle at rest, measured by its resistance to passive stretching. It is quantified in Hertz (Hz), indicating the frequency of oscillation when the muscle is in a relaxed state.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Muscle stiffness

    Time frame: Pre intervention and post intervention (immediately after the foam roller procedure)

    Description: Muscle stiffness is the resistance a muscle provides when stretched. It is measured in Newtons per meter (N/m) and reflects how much force is needed to deform the muscle. Higher stiffness indicates less flexibility.

  2. Muscle elasticity

    Time frame: pre and post intervention (immediately after the interventions)

    Description: Elasticity refers to a muscle's ability to return to its original shape after being stretched. It is measured using a logarithmic scale (D [log]), representing the rate of decrease in oscillation amplitude after a mechanical disturbance.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Carlos Romero Phd

CONTACT

[email protected]

+34686849824

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Universidad Europea de Madrid

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Foam Roller Compared to Massage on Reducing Calf Muscle Tone in Healthy Subject

Acronym: FRTONE

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 4, 2026
Registry last updated
May 4, 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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