An interventional study of Cervical foam rolling in Healthy Participants and Healthy Young Adults, sponsored by University of Palermo. Completed at 1 site in Italy. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-02-25.
Sponsored by University of Palermo · Not applicable, Interventional, and Basic science
Foam rolling (FR) is a technique involving the application of external pressure to muscles and connective tissues using different devices (e.g. foam rollers, massage rollers, balls, etc.) , with the aim of reducing muscle tension, soreness, and stiffness, and improving circulation, and flexibility. Emerging evidence suggests that FR may also enhance tissue perfusion and blood flow and could induce a relaxation response, potentially modulating autonomic balance toward increased parasympathetic activity. The cervical region is of particular interest due to the presence of clinically relevant vascular structures, such as the carotid arteries, whose mechanical stimulation may elicit cardiovascular responses. Accordingly, the present study was designed to investigate the acute effects of cervical foam rolling on blood pressure, while simultaneously examining tissue hardness and heart rate variability as potential underlying mediators, and to explore a possible dose-response relationship between foam rolling volume and blood pressure through an inter-set analysis. Additionally, the acute effects of cervical foam rolling on local range of movement were also investigated.
University of Palermo is the lead sponsor of 142 studies on the registry; 28 are open to participants now.
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Four sets of 45 foam rolls were self-administered on the right posterolateral cervical region, with 45 seconds of recovery between sets.
Other: Cervical foam rolling
Participants in the control condition remained seated for 6 minutes, matching the duration of the FR intervention protocol.
FR condition: Four sets of 45 foam rolls were self-administered, by using a massage roller, on the right posterolateral cervical region, with 45 seconds of recovery between sets.
Systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and mean arterial pressure
Systolic and diastolic BP were measured by using a validated oscillometric device. During the blood pressure assessment, participants were instructed to remain seated and relaxed. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was subsequently extrapolated using the following formula: MAP=DP+1/3(SP-DP).
Time frame: - Day 1: Baseline (upon arrival) and immediately post-intervention; - Day 2: Baseline (upon arrival) and immediately post-intervention.
Tissue Hardness
Tissue hardness was collected using a portable tissue hardness meter. In the cervical region, the spinous process of C7 was used as the reference point. Measurements were obtained bilaterally to the C7.
Time frame: - Day 1: Baseline (upon arrival) and immediately post-intervention; - Day 2: Baseline (upon arrival) and immediately post-intervention.
Heart rate variability
Heart rate variabity was collected using a Polar H10 sensor chest strap device, a device validated for assessment of RR intervals.
Time frame: - Day 1: Baseline (upon arrival) and immediately post-intervention; - Day 2: Baseline (upon arrival) and immediately post-intervention.
Cervical range of motion (ROM)
Cervical ROM was measured using an inertial measurement unit (GYKO; Microgate, Bolzano, Italy). The accelerometer was secured to the participant's forehead and measured active cervical flexion, extension, right and left rotation, and right and left inclination.
Time frame: - Day 1: Baseline (upon arrival) and immediately post-intervention; - Day 2: Baseline (upon arrival) and immediately post-intervention.
This study is completed, as verified in Feb 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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University of Palermo