CompletedNot Applicable

Effectiveness of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Myofascial Release in Reducing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in the Cervicothoracic Region

Pakistan58 participantsStarted 2026-04-06

Plain-language summary

The current study is a randomized controlled trail comparing the effectiveness of IASTM and Myofascial Release for individuals with DOMS at cervicothoracic region. The trail aims to evaluate improvements in pain, ROM, and neck disability. Interventions will be delivered twice weekly for a specific duration. The primary outcomes is pain reduction, while the secondary outcomes include improved disability level and ROM. To conclude, IASTM demonstrated a significantly higher improvement compared to MFR in acute cervicothoracic DOMS in terms of pain, disability level, and ROM in all directions tested in adults.

Who can participate

Age range

30 Years – 40 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: * Participants aged between 30 and 40 years. * Individuals presenting with delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the cervicothoracic region. * Willingness to participate in either the IASTM or myofascial release intervention protocols. * Ability to understand and sign the informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * History of recent cervical or thoracic spine surgery, fractures, or severe trauma in the region. * Presence of open wounds, active skin infections, or severe dermatological conditions in the cervicothoracic area where interventions will be applied. * Diagnosed neurological deficits, cervical radiculopathy, or myelopathy. * Known contraindications to soft tissue mobilization or manual therapy (e.g., severe osteoporosis, bleeding disorders, or anticoagulant use). * Current use of muscle relaxants, heavy analgesics, or NSAIDs that could mask DOMS symptoms during the study period.

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

Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain

Timeframe: Baseline (pre-induction), Post-DOMS induction (24 hours), 48 hours, and 72 hours.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07609498

SponsorGreen International University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-04-29

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) trials