Effect of percussive massage on muscle during limb immobilization
The Effect of Percussive Massage on the Maintenance of Skeletal Muscle and Vascular Health During Limb Immobilization
This study is testing if percussive massage can help protect muscle and improve blood flow in people who have to keep one limb still for 10 days.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Brigham Young University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Provo, Utah) |
| Trial ID | NCT06053229 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how percussive massage can help preserve muscle, vascular, and mitochondrial function during a 10-day period of unilateral limb immobilization. Participants will undergo pre-measures including MRI scans, blood flow assessments, muscle biopsies, and strength tests before being assigned to either a percussive massage or control group. The study aims to determine if percussive massage can reduce muscle atrophy and maintain vascular and mitochondrial health compared to a control group. Measurements will include muscle size, strength, endurance, blood flow, and mitochondrial function.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18-50 with stable physical activity levels and no history of lower extremity injuries.
Not a fit: Patients over the age of 50 or those with cardiovascular, metabolic, or cognitive diseases may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help mitigate muscle loss and improve recovery during periods of limb immobilization.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific use of percussive massage during immobilization is novel, similar studies on muscle preservation techniques have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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.
Where this trial is running
Provo, Utah
- Brigham Young University — Provo, Utah, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Robert D Hyldahl, PhD — Brigham Young University
- Study coordinator: Robert D Hyldahl, PhD
- Email: robhyldahl@byu.edu
- Phone: 8014221237
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.