Differences in Elbow Stiffness Comparing Massage to Stretching in Tennis Players (NCT07060521) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Differences in Elbow Stiffness Comparing Massage to Stretching in Tennis Players
United States32 participantsStarted 2023-04-01
Plain-language summary
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
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. 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
Exclusion criteria
. 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
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Tendon Stiffness: 2D shear wave elastography (SWE ultrasound imaging GE Logiq S8, 9L linear transducer)
Timeframe: From enrollment until the end of a single session which is approximately 45 minutes per participant