Immediate Effects of Self-myofascial Release on Latent Trigger Point Sensitivity

Trigger Points Clinical Trial

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Completed

Administrative data

• NCT number: NCT02609412
• Other study ID #: SpM2015-002
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• First received: October 2, 2015
• Last updated: May 10, 2016
• Start date: May 2015
• Est. completion date: May 2016

Study information

• Verified date: May 2016
• Source: Goethe University
• Contact: n/a
• Is FDA regulated: No
• Health authority: Germany: Ethics Commission
• Study type: Interventional

Clinical Trial Summary

Latent myofascial trigger points (LMTRP) which impair neuromuscular performance occur in both, patients and asymptomatic subjects. As evidence suggests that LMTRP can transform into active trigger points, therapy seems warranted. Besides other modalities, self-massage using foam rollers (self-myofascial release) has been applied as a treatment. However, there is no data on the efficacy of this method concerning LMTRP. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of different forms of self-myofascial release on LMTRP pain.

Healthy patients with LMTRP in the calf are randomly allocated to one of three groups: 1) 90s static compression of the most sensitive LMTRP by means of the foam roll, 2) dynamic self-myofascial release rolling back and forth on the calf muscles for 90s using a foam roller, 3) placebo laser acupuncture of the most sensitive LMTRP. All subjects participate in a familiarization session with the foam roller one week prior to treatments. As an outcome, pressure pain threshold is assessed with an algometer. The investigators hypothesize, that static compression can reduce pressure pain of LMTRP more effective than dynamic self-myofascial release. The investigators further expect that placebo treatment will be the least effective method.

Recruitment information / eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Enrollment: 48
• Est. completion date: May 2016
• Est. primary completion date: May 2016
• Accepts healthy volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers
• Gender: Both
• Age group: 18 Years to 65 Years

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• at least one diagnosed latent myofascial trigger point in the calf

• age 18 to 65 years

• written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• active myofascial trigger point in the calf

• regular intake of drugs or within past 48 hours

• severe psychiatric, neurological, orthopaedic, cardiovascular or endocrine diseases

• pregnancy or nursing period

• any condition that negatively influences current quality of life

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Subject), Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Trigger Points

Intervention

Other:
• Static compression of LMTRP
Static compression of most sensitive Triggerpoint with a foam roller (Blackroll Inc., Germany).
• Dynamic self-myofascial release of calf
Dynamic self-massage of the calf with a foam roller (Blackroll Inc., Germany).

Device:
• Placebo laser acupuncture of LMTRP
Used device: Laserneedle System (Laserneedle Systems GmbH, Glienicke/Nordbahn, Germany). Electrodes positioned on skin but device remains switched off.

Locations

Country	Name	City	State
Germany	Goethe University Frankfurt/Main	Frankfurt/Main

Sponsors (1)

Lead Sponsor	Collaborator
Goethe University

Country where clinical trial is conducted

Germany, 

Outcome

Type	Measure	Description	Time frame	Safety issue
Primary	Change in pressure pain threshold [kg/cm²] assessed by pressure algometer		Baseline (M1) - 3 minutes (M2)	No