Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and percussion (vibration) massage for lumbar disc herniation
The Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Vibration Therapy on Pain, Functionality, and Kinesiophobia in Individuals With Lumbar Disc Herniation
We will test whether instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization or percussion (vibration) massage, added to exercise, reduces pain, improves function, and lowers fear of movement in adults aged 30–60 with lumbar disc herniation.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 30 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istanbul Medipol University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07293676 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults aged 30–60 with protrusion-level lumbar disc herniation, VAS >5, and at least three months of pain will be randomized to one of three groups: conventional therapy (exercise), percussion massage therapy, or instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) with exercise. Pain intensity, functional capacity, and kinesiophobia will be measured before and after the intervention using standard questionnaires and scales. Participants with prior lumbar surgery, recent physiotherapy, pregnancy, malignancy, relevant orthopedic or systemic conditions are excluded. All treatments and follow-up visits will be delivered in person at Istanbul Medipol University Hospital and outcomes will be compared between groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 30–60 years old with a confirmed protrusion-level lumbar disc herniation, persistent low back pain for at least three months, and a VAS pain score above 5.
Not a fit: Patients with prior lumbar surgery, recent physiotherapy, pregnancy, active malignancy, neurological or rheumatological disorders, or diagnosed spinal conditions like spondylosis or osteoporosis are excluded and unlikely to benefit from these interventions in this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the interventions could provide a non-invasive clinic-based option to reduce pain, improve function, and reduce fear of movement in people with lumbar disc herniation.
How similar studies have performed: Some smaller trials and clinical reports have shown short-term pain and function improvements with IASTM or vibration-based massage, but high-quality randomized evidence specifically for lumbar disc herniation is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals between 30 and 60 years of age * Individuals diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation at the protrusion level * Individuals with no cognitive, intellectual, or mental impairments and who are able to express themselves * Individuals with a VAS score greater than 5 * Individuals experiencing pain for at least 3 months Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with a history of lumbar surgery * Individuals who are pregnant * Individuals who have had a spinal tumor or any other malignancy within the past six months * Individuals who have received physiotherapy for low back pain within the last six months * Individuals with orthopedic conditions such as fractures * Individuals diagnosed with neurological, rheumatological, or psychological disorders * Individuals with diagnoses such as infection, spondylosis, spondylolysis, osteoporosis, or ankylosing spondylitis will be excluded from the study.
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- Istanbul Medipol University — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Burak Menek — Uludag University
- Study coordinator: İlayda Gundogmus
- Email: ilayda.gundogmus@std.medipol.edu.tr
- Phone: +90 534 434 99 34
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.