Completed

NCT Number: NCT01453543

The Effect of Deep Friction Massage on the Achilles Tendon Blood Flow

Background: There is a hypothesis in literature that the mechanical action of deep transverse friction massage (DTF) produces vasodilatation and increases blood flow. But as yet, no experimental study has confirmed the effect of DTF on blood flow in the Achilles tendon. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether one session of DTF can influence the Achilles tendon blood flow.

Design: a randomized pre- posttest trial was set up. Patients: Sixty-two healthy participants volunteered. Each person underwent the following four steps of the procedure: 1. Measuring the tendon blood flow (PRE), 2.fifteen minutes of DTF on the Achilles tendon, 3. Measuring of the tendon blood flow (POST), 4.follow - up measurement after 20 minutes of rest (POST20).

Intervention: one leg of each person was randomly assigned to deep transverse friction session, the other leg was used as a control leg. Friction was applied continuously for a total of 15 minutes. Measurements: the microcirculation was determined at 2 and 8 tissue depths at the distal and the proximal midportion of the Achilles tendon. For each level, the capillary blood flow, the tissue oxygen saturation, and the postcapillary venous filling pressure was registered.

Completed

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy Situation

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ghent University

Ghent, 9000, Belgium

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Exclusion criteria

a history of lower leg injury
systematic disease
persons using drugs
subjects with circulatory disorders or cardiovascular diseases

Treatment and study plan

deep transverse friction massage

Other

For the application of the deep transverse friction massage, the participants were positioned supine with the ankle in 90 ° of dorsiflexion, in order to bring some tension on the tendon. The treating clinician stabilized the subject's foot with one hand while applying the DTF with the other hand. The deep friction massage is a pinching technique with thumb and index finger, reinforced by the middle finger.

Primary outcomes

Blood flow of the Achilles tendon

Time frame: after 15 minutes of friction

Blood flow of the Achilles tendon will be measured with the oxygen-to-see.
Blood flow of the Achilles tendon

Time frame: After 20 minutes of rest.

Blood flow of the Achilles tendon will be measured with the oxygen-to-see.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University Ghent