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OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT07031193

Instructional Influence: How Cueing Alters Foam Rolling Outcomes

Foam rolling (FR) is a common tool and procedure used in rehabilitation. Previous research has demonstrated physical improvements in range of motion and subjective reductions in pain post-intervention. Most of the literature theorizes potential biophysical reasons for these changes, but definitive studies are lacking. Another potential mechanism for these improvements may be psychological.

The purpose of this study is to explore the psychological changes that occur in response to the instructions given to the patient and how these may influence the outcomes the individual receives while undergoing FR.

Different instructions will be given for the same technique of FR to see if there are differences in changes with pain and range of motion.

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Key information

Conditions

Foam Roller Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–64 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, South Dakota, 57069, United States

About this study

Participants will receive one set of instructions that highlights the pain relieving properties of FR, while the other group will receive instructions on ability of FR to improve range of motion. Participants will be measured for range of motion and pain changes in both groups pre and post instruction and performing the identical technique of FR.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Fluent in English and primary language

Exclusion criteria

  • Current musculoskeletal injury of the lower limbs for which they are receiving medical care.
  • Recent surgery to the lower limbs that has not been fully released for full participation by a medical provider.
  • Use of any pain-relieving medications within the last 24 hours.
  • Any medical condition that limits their perception of pain.

Treatment and study plan

Foam roller instructions for pain reduction

Procedure

Foam rolling procedure with pain reduction instructions over hamstring muscle group

Foam rolling for range of motion improvement

Procedure

Foam rolling over hamstring muscle group with range of motion improvement instructions.

Primary outcomes

  1. Straight leg raise Range of motion on dominate leg

    Time frame: from enrollment to the end of the session at 1 day

    Hamstring range of motion is measured with a standard goniometer on the dominant leg (the leg you would prefer to kick a ball with). Participant lying supine, the examiner assists with raising the leg straight (knee at 0 degrees extension) at the hip into flexion. Measure maximal hip flexion, with no change in knee extension, posterior pelvic tilt, or lumbar spine flexion. Goniometric measurements of hamstring length will then be measured with the stationary arm in line with the lateral midline of the pelvis, the axis of the goniometer will be placed on the greater trochanter of the hip, and the movement arm will be lined up with the midline of the lateral femur to the lateral epicondyle of the ipsilateral knee.

  2. Pain pressure threshold of the hamstring muscle group

    Time frame: from enrollment to the end of the session at 1 day

    Use of a handheld algometer to assess pain pressure threshold. Application of pressure at the middle point of the hamstring on the dominant leg (the leg you would prefer to kick a ball with). The middle point is determined by the midway point measured from the ischial tuberosity and the knee joint line. Pressure is applied at a steady rate until the participant reports that the sensation of pressure changes from pressure to pain. Measurement in kg/cm2 will be recorded and the average of three measurements will be recorded.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of South Dakota

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 22, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 14, 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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