Effects of Roller Massage on Short-Term Passive Muscle Stiffness
Effects of Roller Massage on Short-Term Passive Muscle Stiffness
Muscle stiffness is associated with a variety of variables that affect health, however there
 is limited research on the effect of massage on muscle stiffness, and existing research does
 not quantify the intensity of massage. Thus trial will determine the effect of roller massage
 on quadriceps muscle stiffness and passive range of motion.
Following screening for eligibility and consent, subjects will be assigned randomly to one of
 three groups: a placebo control group and two roller massage groups (treatment groups). The
 treatment groups will each receive a single bout of roller massage. One treatment group will
 receive a massage at medium intensity (25 newtons of force directed perpendicular to surface
 of thigh), the other treatment group at high intensity (45 newtons of force directed
 perpendicular to surface of thigh). The placebo group will receive a single bout of sham
 ultrasound. Both placebo and treatments will be delivered to the anterior thigh with the
 participant in a supine position. Each procedure will last for 10 minutes. In all groups,
 muscle stiffness, natural oscillation frequency, elasticity, relaxation time, and creep at
 the vastus lateralis will be measured using a myotonometer. PROM for knee flexion will also
 be measured in both groups using goniometry. All measurements will be taken at 3 different
 times: immediately before treatment or placebo, immediately after treatment or placebo, and
 30 minutes after treatment or placebo. Myotonometric measurements of the vastus lateralis
 will be taken 2/3 of the way down between the anterior superior iliac spine and lateral
 aspect of the patella, in accordance with guidelines for the Surface ElectroMyoGraphy for the
 Non-Invasive Assessment of Muscles. For goniometric measurement, participants will be in
 supine position on an examination table. The investigator will flex the participant's hip to
 90 degrees and then, using a dynamometer (to ensure consistent applied force for all
 participants), flex the participant's knee. To measure knee flexion PROM, the goniometer will
 be positioned with the axis at the lateral epicondyle of the femur, the stationary arm in
 line with the lateral midline of the femur toward the greater trochanter, and the moving arm
 in line with the fibular head and lateral malleolus. During the time between the second and
 third measurements, subjects will be asked to sit quietly.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -Age 18-30

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Prior history of significant vascular or neuromuscular illness or impairment affecting
 the lower limbs

 -  Serious injuries to the back or legs in the last six months

 -  Discomfort or pain in the back or legs

 -  Use of pain and anti-inflammatory medications

 -  Any contraindications to massage treatment or ultrasound

 -  Body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2.