Using self-myofascial release to reduce injuries in young soccer players
Official title: EFFECT OF SELF-MYOFASCİAL RELEASE ON MUSCLE MECHANİCAL PROPERTİES, PERFORMANCE, NEUROMUSCULAR FUNCTİON AND MİNİMİZATİON OF İNJURY RİSK İN YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS
Run by Aveiro University · NCT06895720 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will try regular self-myofascial release to see if it lowers injury risk and improves muscle tone, flexibility, and performance in male soccer players aged 14–18.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 14 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 65 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Aveiro University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Fão, Porto District) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 26, 2026 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 2, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06895720 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Male youth and junior soccer players aged 14–18 who are registered with their football association and have been injury-free for at least three months are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Players with recent injuries, ongoing physiotherapy, recent lower-limb surgery or fractures, or those already in other injury-prevention programs may not benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized clinical trial enrolling about 65 male youth soccer players (ages 14–18) who are currently injury-free, randomized to a myofascial self-release program or a control group. The intervention group will perform self-myofascial release techniques while investigators measure muscle mechanical properties (myotonometry), flexibility (sit-and-reach), ankle dorsiflexion (weight-bearing lunge), neuromuscular function, and tracking of injury incidence. Participants with recent surgery, lower-limb fractures in the past five years, ongoing physiotherapy, or involvement in other prevention programs are excluded. All testing and interventions take place in person at the Aveiro University site in Fão, Portugal.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce injuries and improve flexibility and muscle function using a low-cost, team-friendly prevention method.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on self-myofascial release (e.g., foam rolling) shows short-term gains in flexibility and some mechanical muscle changes but mixed evidence for lasting performance improvements or reduced injury rates.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Athletes at the youth and junior levels * Registered with the respective football association * Athletes with no history of injury in the past 3 months Exclusion Criteria: * Athletes who failed pre-season medical examinations * Athletes with a history of previous surgery or lower limb fractures in the last 5 years * Athletes undergoing physiotherapy rehabilitation at the time of the study * Athletes participating in another injury prevention program or specific training
Where it's running
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Azevedo Coutinho Street No. 5
Fão, Porto District, Portugal Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Bruno Ferreira Linhares, PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences
- Email: brunolinharesfisio@hotmail.com
- Phone: +351931131831
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.