Effect of Percussive Massage on Skeletal Muscle During Limb Immobilization

Launched by BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY · Sep 21, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of percussive massage on muscle health when a limb is immobilized, such as when wearing a cast or brace. Researchers want to see if this type of massage can help protect against the loss of muscle size, strength, and endurance during a 10-day period when the limb cannot move. The study will compare participants receiving percussive massage to those who do not, measuring changes in muscle function, blood flow, and energy production in the muscles.

To participate, individuals should be between 18 and 50 years old, have been physically active for at least six months, and not have any injuries that would prevent them from exercising their knees. Those who smoke, are pregnant, have certain health conditions, or regularly use massage on their thighs will not be eligible. Participants can expect to take part in massage sessions for 30 minutes, twice a day, over ten days, all while being monitored for changes in their muscle and blood flow health. This study aims to provide insights that could benefit future research on muscle preservation in people of various ages.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 18-50 years old (women are pre-menopausal). We will exclude individuals over the age of 50 because the adaptive capability of skeletal muscle fundamentally changes with older age, and the risk from disuse increases. The findings of this study will help determine the risk benefit relationship of conducting a similar study in older individuals.
• • Stable levels of physical activity for at least 6 months
• • No history of lower extremity injury that would preclude their ability to perform knee extension exercise
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Cigarette or marijuana smoker
• • Pregnant or planning to become pregnant within next month
• • Cardiovascular, metabolic disease or cognitive disease (e.g. Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment)
• • Taking prescribed medications (e.g. blood pressure medication) or anti-depressants
• • Habitual use of any type of massage or vibration on their thigh
• • Note that subjects who are mentally unable to understand the consenting process and provide informed consent will not be included in this study.