Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Gastrocnemius Stiffness and Ankle Range of Motion

This study will examine whether a technique called instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) can reduce stiffness in the calf muscle (gastrocnemius) and improve ankle mobility. Muscle stiffness will be measured using a specialized ultrasound method called shear-wave elastography, while ankle range of motion will be assessed using the weight-bearing lunge test. Healthy volunteers will participate in this study, and measurements will be taken before and after a single IASTM treatment. The aim is to determine if this manual therapy technique can produce immediate changes in muscle properties and joint flexibility.

NCT Number	NCT06934694
Lead Sponsor	University of Primorska
Conditions	Muscle Stiffness
Enrollment	40 participants
Start Date	2025-04-24
Primary Completion	2025-05-30 (estimated)
Study Completion	2025-06-15 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-05-04