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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07433543

Foam Rolling, Blood Pressure and Range of Motion

Foam rolling (FR) is a technique involving the application of external pressure to muscles and connective tissues using different devices (e.g. foam rollers, massage rollers, balls, etc.) , with the aim of reducing muscle tension, soreness, and stiffness, and improving circulation, and flexibility. Emerging evidence suggests that FR may also enhance tissue perfusion and blood flow and could induce a relaxation response, potentially modulating autonomic balance toward increased parasympathetic activity. The cervical region is of particular interest due to the presence of clinically relevant vascular structures, such as the carotid arteries, whose mechanical stimulation may elicit cardiovascular responses. Accordingly, the present study was designed to investigate the acute effects of cervical foam rolling on blood pressure, while simultaneously examining tissue hardness and heart rate variability as potential underlying mediators, and to explore a possible dose-response relationship between foam rolling volume and blood pressure through an inter-set analysis. Additionally, the acute effects of cervical foam rolling on local range of movement were also investigated.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy Participants Healthy Young Adults

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Palermo

Palermo, Italy

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • healthy participants aged 18 years or older

Exclusion criteria

  • use of antihypertensive medication;
  • orthopedic, neurological, renal, metabolic, or cardiovascular disorders.

Treatment and study plan

Cervical foam rolling

Other

FR condition: Four sets of 45 foam rolls were self-administered, by using a massage roller, on the right posterolateral cervical region, with 45 seconds of recovery between sets.

Primary outcomes

  1. Systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and mean arterial pressure

    Time frame: - Day 1: Baseline (upon arrival) and immediately post-intervention; - Day 2: Baseline (upon arrival) and immediately post-intervention.

    Systolic and diastolic BP were measured by using a validated oscillometric device. During the blood pressure assessment, participants were instructed to remain seated and relaxed. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was subsequently extrapolated using the following formula: MAP=DP+1/3(SP-DP).

  2. Tissue Hardness

    Time frame: - Day 1: Baseline (upon arrival) and immediately post-intervention; - Day 2: Baseline (upon arrival) and immediately post-intervention.

    Tissue hardness was collected using a portable tissue hardness meter. In the cervical region, the spinous process of C7 was used as the reference point. Measurements were obtained bilaterally to the C7.

  3. Heart rate variability

    Time frame: - Day 1: Baseline (upon arrival) and immediately post-intervention; - Day 2: Baseline (upon arrival) and immediately post-intervention.

    Heart rate variabity was collected using a Polar H10 sensor chest strap device, a device validated for assessment of RR intervals.

  4. Cervical range of motion (ROM)

    Time frame: - Day 1: Baseline (upon arrival) and immediately post-intervention; - Day 2: Baseline (upon arrival) and immediately post-intervention.

    Cervical ROM was measured using an inertial measurement unit (GYKO; Microgate, Bolzano, Italy). The accelerometer was secured to the participant's forehead and measured active cervical flexion, extension, right and left rotation, and right and left inclination.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Palermo

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Acute Blood Pressure and Range of Motion Responses to Cervical Foam Rolling: a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Feb 25, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 25, 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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