Differences in Elbow Stiffness Comparing Massage to Stretching in Tennis Players

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Tendon Stiffness, Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy

In brief

Background and Purpose: Shear wave elastography (SWE) provides quantifiable and specific data regarding muscle and tendon stiffness. Increased muscle and tendon stiffness plays a role in the development of musculoskeletal pathologies. A number of interventions have been proposed to temporarily reduce muscle/tendon stiffness including soft tissue mobilization (massage) and stretching. Purpose: To investigate the effects of soft tissue mobilization versus stretching on tissue stiffness in a group of competitive tennis players. Participants: Healthy competitive tennis players who meet the inclusion criteria and consent to participate will be assessed and treated at the University of Dayton Department of Physical Therapy. Methods: All participants will be examined with shear wave elastography to determine the stiffness of the dominant common extensor tendon with the participant in sitting, arm supported and relaxed. A second stiffness measure will be taken 5 minutes after the first measure to determine intra-rater reliability. Participants will be divided into 1 of 2 treatment groups (soft tissue massage or passive stretching) for approximately 5 minutes. Shear wave stiffness measures will be taken immediately after intervention for both groups. Shear wave elastography will be measured one final time following a 15-minute rest period after the intervention

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07060521

Run by

University of Dayton

People needed

32

Starts

2023-04-01

Expected to finish

2025-05-25

Last updated by the study team

2025-07-11

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 80. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• An adult18 - 80 years old.
• Demonstrate sufficient fluency in spoken or written English to communicate with the research examiner and complete questionnaires.
• Tennis player at any level playing at least 1 time a week on average

You may not qualify if…

• Prior upper extremity surgery within 6 months of the study's start date
• Any diagnosed upper extremity pathologies or injuries within 6 months of the study's start date.
• Rehabilitative/medical treatment of the upper extremity in the past year
• Unable to tolerate soft tissue massage or stretching treatments.

Where it is running

• University of Dayton — Dayton, Ohio, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

Trial information comes from ClinicalTrials.gov and is refreshed daily. TrialsForMe does not provide medical care and does not run the studies it lists.