Exercises to improve the stiffness of the back and performance in amateur runners

Exercises Directed To Dynamic Stiffness Of The Thoracolumbar Region And Performance Of Amateur Runners: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of the State of Santa Catarina · NCT05760664

This study is testing if special exercises for the back can help amateur runners improve their stiffness and performance compared to regular stretching and a placebo.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment99 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of the State of Santa Catarina Academic / other
Locations1 site (Florianópolis, Santa Catarina)
Trial IDNCT05760664 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of exercises focused on the fascial system, known as fascial fitness®, on the dynamic stiffness of the thoracolumbar region and the performance of amateur runners. It employs a randomized, double-blind, parallel design with three groups: one receiving fascial fitness exercises, another performing static stretching, and a control group receiving a placebo. The study targets amateur runners aged 18 to 45 who have been training for at least a year and run at least twice a week. By comparing these groups, the trial seeks to provide insights into effective prevention and treatment strategies for musculoskeletal injuries in runners.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are amateur runners aged 18 to 45 who have been running for at least one year and train at least twice a week.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with recent lower limb trauma or surgeries, neuromusculoskeletal diseases, or those who have received physiotherapeutic treatment in the last 30 days.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the performance and reduce injury risk for amateur runners through targeted exercise interventions.

How similar studies have performed: While there is some evidence supporting myofascial release, this approach is novel as it focuses specifically on randomized controlled trials for fascial fitness in amateur runners.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Eligible runners must meet the following criteria:

* 5km amateur runners;
* 18 to 45 years old;
* the both sexes;
* be performing running activity for at least 1 year;
* training rate of at least twice a week.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Difficulty in understanding the Portuguese language to answer the questionnaires;
* self-report of carrying neuromusculoskeletal diseases;
* trauma or surgeries in the last 90 days in the lower limbs;
* vestibular system in the last 30 days;
* controlled medicine;
* previous physiotherapeutic treatment in the last 30 days.

Where this trial is running

Florianópolis, Santa Catarina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions FasciaSports PerformanceRunning
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.