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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07648966

Recovery of Heart Rate Variability in Handball Players

This study aimed to compare the acute effects of manual massage (MM) and foam rolling (FR) on heart rate variability (HRV) following a 20 m shuttle run test (20m-SRT) in elite male handball players. It was hypothesized that MM and FR would produce differential acute effects on HRV responses during

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Key information

Conditions

Heart Rate Control Recovery Following Exercise

Age range

17 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Bursa uludag University, Faculty of Sport Sciences

Bursa, 16059, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

The aim of present study was to compare the acute effects of manual massage (MM) and foam rolling (FR) on time-domain and frequency-domain HRV parameters following a 20 m shuttle run test (20m-SRT) in elite male handball players. It was hypothesized that MM and FR would produce differential acute effects on HRV responses during. Fifteen elite male handball players voluntarilly participated in present study.

The research utilized a randomized cross-over design. All participants provided written informed consent after being briefed about the aims, procedures, benefits, and risks. Study was conducted in three sessions in onwe week. Fırst session is familiarization, other two sessions are experimental: MM and FR sessions. Participants were instructed to maintain their normal diet, refrain from intense exercise for at least 48 hours before study sessions, avoid alcohol and caffeine intake for 24 hours prior, and consume their last meal at least 3 hours before sessions. In familiarization session, subjects fulfilled Exercise Readiness Questionnaire (EGZ+), measured body composition, after warm-up 20m-SRT, and recovery interventions (MM and FR). Before warm-up - pre-test, during 20-m shuttle run test - test and after recovery - post-test HRV were recorded. In experimental session, after the 20 min standard warm-up including jogging, jumping and stretching volunteers performed 20m-SRT and immediately one of two different recovery interventions. Recovery interventions are MM and FR applied on the lower extremities. All procedures were conducted at the same time of day (14:00-16:00) to minimize circadian rhythm effects. To determine differences in HRV and heart rate across recovery methods and time points, a Two Way Repeated Measures ANOVA was used: 2 Intervention (MM and FR) × 3 Time (Pre-test, Test, Post-test). Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons performed to identify differences between specific time points and interventions.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • at least 5 years of regular handball training
  • participation in at least 10 matches in the past year
  • no injury lasting longer than 2 weeks in the past 6 months
  • minimum 1 year of experience in the Turkish Handball Super League
  • no use of stimulants (ergogenic aids, doping, etc.)

Exclusion criteria

-

Treatment and study plan

Manul Massage (MM)

Other

MM protocol employed Swedish massage techniques (Hemmings, 2001; Tessier, 2005), including effleurage (light stroking), friction, petrissage (kneading and rolling), vibration and tapotement (light percussion). Massage was applied for 20 minutes total, distributed as: 10 minutes on the right and 10 minutes on the left lower extremity. Posterior lower-extremity massage included the gluteal region, posterior thigh, and calf muscles. Anterior lower-extremity massage included only the quadriceps. Applications were performed from distal to proximal direction using baby oil by certified masseur. Anterior leg massage in a supine position and posterior leg massage in a prone position was applied

Foam Rolling (FR)

Other

A medium density, grid structured foam roller (Blackroll Standard, 33×15×14 cm, PVC polypropylene, Bottighofen, Switzerland) was used. Participants performed self-myofascial release by placing the lower extremities on the foam roller and rolling forward and backward to relax fascia surrounding the muscle with medium pressure. Total duration of FR lasted 20 minutes: 10 minutes left and 10 minutes right lower extremity. Rolling was performed at a controlled cadence (~30 cycles/min) guided by a metronome with moderate pressure.

Primary outcomes

  1. Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 60 minutes

    HRV was recorded by Polar V800 (Polar Electro, Kempele, Finland) heart rate monitor and chest strap of Polar H10 transmitter. HRV time-domain (RR, RMSSD, SDNN) and frequency-domain (VLF, LF, HF) markers and heart rate (HR) were recorded and transferred in Polar Flow. Data set normalized by adopting artefact methodology using Kubios HRV Scientific (Tarvainen et al., 2014). Power values were calculated in normalized units (n.u.). HRV recordings were obtained during three phases: pre exercise (10 min supine rest), during exercise and post exercise recovery phases (10 min supine rest. Participants were instructed to maintain spontaneous but stable breathing during recordings.

  2. 20 m Shuttle Run Test (VO2max)

    Time frame: After warm-up 20m-SRT lasted approximately 12-15 minute

    20m-SRT was administered following the protocol of Leger and Lambert (1982). The running pace was controlled by "beep test" audio signals. The test started at a speed of 8.5 km·h-¹, increasing by 0.5 km·h-¹ every minute. Participants were required to cover 20 m at each signal. The test ended when a participant failed to complete the 20 m distance three consecutive times. Estimated VO2max values were calculated using the Leger et al. (1988) formula.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Height

    Time frame: 1 minute during familiarisation session

    Standing height was measured with a SECA 216 digital stadiometer with a precision of 0.01 m.

  2. Weight

    Time frame: 1 minute during familiarisation session

    Body weight (kg) were measured using a TANITA BC 418MA Segmental Body Composition Analyzer (±0.50 kg accuracy).

  3. Total Body Fat

    Time frame: 1 minute during familiarisation session

    Total body fat (%) were measured using a TANITA BC 418MA Segmental Body Composition Analyzer (±0.50 kg accuracy).

  4. Body Mass Index

    Time frame: 1 minute during familiarisation session

    Weight and height will be combined to report BMI in kg/m^2

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Uludag University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Manual Massage and Foam Rolling on Heart Rate Variability Following 20m-Shuttle Run Test in Elite Male Handball Players

Acronym: HRV-HANDBAll

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jun 15, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 15, 2026

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

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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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