An interventional study of IASTM and MFR in Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), Muscle Soreness and Myalgia, sponsored by Green International University. Completed at 1 site in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 30 Years to 40 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-05-27.
Sponsored by Green International University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
The current study is a randomized controlled trail comparing the effectiveness of IASTM and Myofascial Release for individuals with DOMS at cervicothoracic region. The trail aims to evaluate improvements in pain, ROM, and neck disability. Interventions will be delivered twice weekly for a specific duration. The primary outcomes is pain reduction, while the secondary outcomes include improved disability level and ROM. To conclude, IASTM demonstrated a significantly higher improvement compared to MFR in acute cervicothoracic DOMS in terms of pain, disability level, and ROM in all directions tested in adults.
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a physiological condition that develops in the course of time after strenuous unaccustomed physical exertion. In particular, DOMS occurs mostly in response to eccentric muscle actions, i.e., when muscle fibers lengthen while still performing work. Examples of eccentric actions may be, among others, lowering the load (weight training), downhill running, decelerating movements, and controlled return phase of resistance exercise (1). Unlike most types of physiological phenomena, DOMS usually develops after some period of time. Typically, it appears 12-24 hours after the workout and reaches its peak in 24-72 hours; afterwards, it will subside gradually over several days. DOMS is considered a normal adaptation reaction of the muscle. However, despite being physiologically beneficial and helping to adapt skeletal muscles to subsequent exercises through repeated bout phenomenon, DOMS may lead to considerable discomfort and even affect a person's quality of life. As the result of damage of muscle fibers and adjacent connective tissue in response to unaccustomed mechanical load, inflammatory reaction, swelling, and stimulation of pain receptors occurs. These processes are responsible for characteristic soreness associated with DOMS, which may impair individual's ability to perform certain activities and exercise.
The randomization process took place after participants were screened and underwent baseline assessment. Then, those who met the criteria were randomly allocated to Group A and Group B. Those patients in Group A were assigned to receive Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, whereas those participants who belonged to Group B were subjected to Myofascial Release. Random allocation was performed by a computer and carried out through opaque sealed envelopes opened by an independent individual.
256 studies on the registry are indexed under Myalgia; 46 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 58 is above the median of 44 across 216 interventional studies indexed under Myalgia.
Browse Myalgia studies →Green International University is the lead sponsor of 17 studies on the registry; 1 is open to participants now.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
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A reason a treatment, test or procedure should not be given to a particular person, such as an allergy, another illness or a medicine they take.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Contraindication
A reason a treatment, test or procedure should not be given to a particular person, such as an allergy, another illness or a medicine they take.
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Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a type of therapy where the practitioner utilizes unique instruments that are made of either metals or hard plastics that have smooth curved surfaces to glide on the skin surface to work on soft tissues. IASTM helps in identifying and breaking down areas of muscle tightness and adhesion. Blood flow is stimulated, pain, stiffness, and soreness are minimized, and mobility of the tissues is enhanced, thereby increasing joint range of motion.
Procedure: IASTM · Procedure: MFR
Myofascial Release (MFR) is an effective therapeutic massage technique that can be utilized to relieve muscle and fascia pain and tightness. The practitioner uses a series of gentle stretching or applying sustained pressure on areas where tension is felt until the fascia releases. Such release eases pain, improves circulation, joint mobility and muscle motion, enhances flexibility and posture
Procedure: IASTM · Procedure: MFR
The participants in this group were given the Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). They were rubbed with a very small amount of gel or lotion to allow easy mobilization of the tool over the skin. The instrument has been developed to treat conditions of the cervical-thoracic joint region. The instrument was applied over the upper trapezius muscle and the cervicothoracic joint region using controlled unidirectional strokes for 8-10 minutes each day with moderate pressure. The process was done once every day for 2-3 days after the occurrence of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Group B: Myofascial Release Those who fell under Group B were subjected to myofascial release. The physiotherapist used hands to apply slow and gentle pressure on the tissues that needed release. Fascia and muscles of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and cervicothoracic paraspinal muscles were applied pressure on until there was release of the
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a 100 mm continuous line used to self-report cervicothoracic pain intensity. The scale ranges from 0 mm (indicating "no pain") to 100 mm (indicating "worst imaginable pain"). Participants mark a point on the line that represents their current pain perception at rest and during active movement.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-induction), Post-DOMS induction (24 hours), 48 hours, and 72 hours.
Cervical Range of Motion (CROM)
Active cervical range of motion will be measured in degrees using a digital inclinometer or a cervical range of motion instrument. Movement planes will include cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion (left and right), and rotation (left and right). Decreased ranges indicate higher functional restriction due to muscle soreness.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-induction), Post-DOMS induction (24 hours), 48 hours, and 72 hours.
Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)
Pressure pain threshold will be measured in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm²) using a digital hand-held pressure algometer applied over standardized trigger points in the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles. PPT determines the minimum pressure at which a sensation of pressure changes to pain.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-induction), Post-DOMS induction (24 hours), 48 hours, and 72 hours.
Plan to share: Yes — Only IPD used in the results publication will be shared
Supporting information: Study protocol, Statistical analysis plan, Informed consent form, Clinical study report
Time frame: It will be available after the completion of study.
Access criteria: Through the corresponding author.
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This study is completed, as verified in May 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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