Effect of Percussive Massage on Skeletal Muscle During Limb Immobilization

Description

The primary aims of this study are to determine the effect of percussive massage (30 min/session, 2 sessions/day, daily) during 10 days of unilateral limb immobilization on preserving muscle, vascular, and mitochondrial function. The following hypotheses will be tested: Hypothesis 1: Percussive massage will attenuate the loss of size, strength and endurance over the immobilization period compared to the control group, as measured by MRI, maximal isometric and isokinetic force production and muscle endurance test using Biodex dynamometry. Hypothesis 2: Percussive massage will attenuate the loss of vascular function and blood flow compared to the control group as measured by passive leg movement and femoral artery blood flow. Hypothesis 3: Percussive massage will attenuate the loss of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and decrease H2O2 production during immobilization compared to the control group, as measured by high-resolution respirometry.

Conditions

Massage Therapy, Muscular Atrophy

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The primary aims of this study are to determine the effect of percussive massage (30 min/session, 2 sessions/day, daily) during 10 days of unilateral limb immobilization on preserving muscle, vascular, and mitochondrial function. The following hypotheses will be tested: Hypothesis 1: Percussive massage will attenuate the loss of size, strength and endurance over the immobilization period compared to the control group, as measured by MRI, maximal isometric and isokinetic force production and muscle endurance test using Biodex dynamometry. Hypothesis 2: Percussive massage will attenuate the loss of vascular function and blood flow compared to the control group as measured by passive leg movement and femoral artery blood flow. Hypothesis 3: Percussive massage will attenuate the loss of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and decrease H2O2 production during immobilization compared to the control group, as measured by high-resolution respirometry.

The Effect of Percussive Massage on the Maintenance of Skeletal Muscle and Vascular Health During Limb Immobilization

Effect of Percussive Massage on Skeletal Muscle During Limb Immobilization

Condition
Massage Therapy
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Provo

Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States, 84602

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * 18-50 years old (women are pre-menopausal). We will exclude individuals over the age of 50 because the adaptive capability of skeletal muscle fundamentally changes with older age, and the risk from disuse increases. The findings of this study will help determine the risk benefit relationship of conducting a similar study in older individuals.
  • * Stable levels of physical activity for at least 6 months
  • * No history of lower extremity injury that would preclude their ability to perform knee extension exercise
  • * Cigarette or marijuana smoker
  • * Pregnant or planning to become pregnant within next month
  • * Cardiovascular, metabolic disease or cognitive disease (e.g. Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment)
  • * Taking prescribed medications (e.g. blood pressure medication) or anti-depressants
  • * Habitual use of any type of massage or vibration on their thigh
  • * Note that subjects who are mentally unable to understand the consenting process and provide informed consent will not be included in this study.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Brigham Young University,

Robert D Hyldahl, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Brigham Young University

Study Record Dates

2025-07-31