HealthyMTRFNCT04944745
Myofascial Release of the Pectoral Fascia
A study testing Myofascial Release in people with Healthy, run by University of Manitoba at 1 site in Canada.
Trial summary
Neck-shoulder pain is among the most common health care problems, especially in office workers and females. Forward shoulder posture (FSP) is a common postural deviation and known risk factor for the development of neck-shoulder pain and pathology. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 60 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy
- What is being tested?
- Myofascial Release
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteCanada
- Study dates
- 14 Oct 2020to 6 Nov 2021
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 60 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- have 1 cm of anterior deviation of the acromion process (forward shoulder posture)
- right handed
Who cannot join
- recent history (<6 months) of neck, shoulder, or upper back pain
- recent history (<6 months) of neck, shoulder, or upper back injury/pathology
- history of orthopaedic or neurological disorders
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Myofascial Release of the Pectoral Fascia: Effect on Shoulder Posture, Muscle Length, Muscle Activity, and Movement Performance
Neck-shoulder pain is among the most common health care problems, especially in office workers and females. Forward shoulder posture (FSP) is a common postural deviation and known risk factor for the development of neck-shoulder pain and pathology. Common approaches for reducing FSP include stretching and performing manual techniques to increase the length and extensibility of the scapular protractors, and strengthening the scapular retractors. Myofascial release (MFR) is a group of manual techniques that elongate and soften restricted fascia, however, the effects of myofascial release to the pectorals on FSP are currently unknown. The objectives of this study are to determine the impact of 4-minutes of MFR on: 1) FSP, 2) pectoral length, 3) muscle activity of the upper, middle, and lower trapezius and pectoralis major, 4) scapular retractor to protractor ratio of activity, and 4) movement performance compared to a soft-touch control. We hypothesize that MFR will: 1) decrease FSP, 2) increase pectoral length, 3) increase upper, middle, and lower trapezius activity and decrease pectorals major activity, 4) increase the scapular retractor to protractor ratio of activity, and 4) improve movement performance.
- Conditions
- Healthy
- Being tested
- Myofascial Release, Soft-touch Control
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Myofascial ReleaseOther
Moderate pressure manual treatment to the pectoral fascia.
Soft-touch ControlOther
No pressure manual treatment to the pectoral fascia.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Myofascial release (MFR) | Experimental | The pectoral MFR will be completed by an experienced registered massage therapist (RMT). They will stand on the participant's right side slightly rotated to the left facing towards the participant's left hip and apply a cross-hand MFR technique to the superficial pectoral fascia on the right side. The therapist will begin by placing the distal region of the anterior palm of the anchoring hand (therapist's right hand) on the right edge of the anterior sternum at the level of the 3rd to the 6th ribs on the skin and the draping over the pectoral fascia. They will then apply a gentle posterior pressure to hold the fascia in place. The forearm of the mobilizing hand (RMT's left hand) will be directed to the right shoulder wit hate right forearm crossing over the left and the contact of are of the mobilizing hand will be the skin superficial to the pectoral fascia and insertion of pectorals major on the anterior aspect of the humerus. This will be held for four minutes. Receives: Other: Myofascial Release |
| Soft-touch Control (CON) | Sham comparator | This control treatment will be set up the same way in regards to the RMT's hand placement, except no pressure will be applied. The RMT's hands will simply be resting over the contact points. This treatment will also be held for four minutes. Receives: Other: Soft-touch Control |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Forward shoulder posture after intervention
Relative- photographic analysis. Participant stand in a relaxed position and have a photo taken from their side where an online program will be used to quantify their forward shoulder posture
Measured: 30-minutes
Change in Forward shoulder posture after intervention
Absolute measurements taken- double square method. Participants will stand with their back against the wall and the tool will measure the distance from the wall to their acromion process.
Measured: 30-minutes
Change in Pectoral Length after intervention
Measured passive horizontal abduction of the shoulder
Measured: 30-minutes
Change in Muscle Activity- Upper Trapezius after intervention
sEMG during a reaching task
Measured: 30-minutes
Change in Muscle Activity- Middle Trapezius after intervention
sEMG during a reaching task
Measured: 30-minutes
Change in Muscle Activity- Lower Trapezius after intervention
sEMG during a reaching task
Measured: 30-minutes
Change in Muscle Activity- Pectoralis Major after intervention
sEMG during a reaching task
Measured: 30-minutes
Change in Movement performance- reaction time after intervention
Participants will complete a reaching task using custom designed software (E-Prime). The reaching task is a modified Fitts' Task where the participant must reach towards one of five randomly appearing targets.
Measured: 30-minutes
Change in Movement performance- movement time after intervention
Participants will complete a reaching task using custom designed software (E-Prime). The reaching task is a modified Fitts' Task where the participant must reach towards one of five randomly appearing targets.
Measured: 30-minutes
Change in Movement performance- accuracy after intervention
Participants will complete a reaching task using custom designed software (E-Prime). The reaching task is a modified Fitts' Task where the participant must reach towards one of five randomly appearing targets.
Measured: 30-minutes
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Jun 2021
- Study start14 Oct 2020
- Primary completion6 Nov 2021
- Study completion6 Nov 2021
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for HealthyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of ManitobaThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- Single blind between subjects repeated measures crossover design
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Manitoba
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Centennial College
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Trisha Scribbans, University of Manitoba
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04944745
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 50187
- Acronym
- MTRF
- Status last verified
- Mar 2022
- First submitted
- 2 Jun 2021
- Last updated
- 7 Mar 2022
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Chimera NJ, Bohunicky S, Glazebrook C, Scribbans T. Postural factors contributing to reaching speed and accuracy. Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2025 Sep;31(3):903-912. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2025.2466919. Epub 2025 Mar 10.
PubMed 40062388
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 7 Mar 2022. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Myofascial Release of the Pectoral Fascia: Effect on Shoulder Posture, Muscle Length, Muscle Activity, and Movement Performance
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04944745
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MTRF / 50187
- Conditions
- Healthy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of ManitobaUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Centennial College
- Study start
- 14 Oct 2020 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 6 Nov 2021 (actual)
- Study completion
- 6 Nov 2021 (actual)
- First posted
- 30 Jun 2021 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Neck-shoulder pain is among the most common health care problems, especially in office workers and females. Forward shoulder posture (FSP) is a common postural deviation and known risk factor for the development of neck-shoulder pain and pathology. Common approaches for reducing FSP include stretching and performing manual techniques to increase the length and extensibility of the scapular protractors, and strengthening the scapular retractors. Myofascial release (MFR) is a group of manual techniques that elongate and soften restricted fascia, however, the effects of myofascial release to the pectorals on FSP are currently unknown. The objectives of this study are to determine the impact of 4-minutes of MFR on: 1) FSP, 2) pectoral length, 3) muscle activity of the upper, middle, and lower trapezius and pectoralis major, 4) scapular retractor to protractor ratio of activity, and 4) movement performance compared to a soft-touch control. We hypothesize that MFR will: 1) decrease FSP, 2) increase pectoral length, 3) increase upper, middle, and lower trapezius activity and decrease pectorals major activity, 4) increase the scapular retractor to protractor ratio of activity, and 4) improve movement performance.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Double blind (investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Single blind between subjects repeated measures crossover design
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Myofascial release (MFR) | Experimental | Other: Myofascial ReleaseThe pectoral MFR will be completed by an experienced registered massage therapist (RMT). They will stand on the participant's right side slightly rotated to the left facing towards the participant's left hip and apply a cross-hand MFR technique to the superficial pectoral fascia on the right side. The therapist will begin by placing the distal region of the anterior palm of the anchoring hand (therapist's right hand) on the right edge of the anterior sternum at the level of the 3rd to the 6th ribs on the skin and the draping over the pectoral fascia. They will then apply a gentle posterior pressure to hold the fascia in place. The forearm of the mobilizing hand (RMT's left hand) will be directed to the right shoulder wit hate right forearm crossing over the left and the contact of are of the mobilizing hand will be the skin superficial to the pectoral fascia and insertion of pectorals major on the anterior aspect of the humerus. This will be held for four minutes. |
| Soft-touch Control (CON) | Sham comparator | Other: Soft-touch ControlThis control treatment will be set up the same way in regards to the RMT's hand placement, except no pressure will be applied. The RMT's hands will simply be resting over the contact points. This treatment will also be held for four minutes. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- have 1 cm of anterior deviation of the acromion process (forward shoulder posture)
- right handed
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- recent history (<6 months) of neck, shoulder, or upper back pain
- recent history (<6 months) of neck, shoulder, or upper back injury/pathology
- history of orthopaedic or neurological disorders
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Myofascial ReleaseModerate pressure manual treatment to the pectoral fascia. | Other | Myofascial release (MFR) |
| Soft-touch ControlNo pressure manual treatment to the pectoral fascia. | Other | Soft-touch Control (CON) |
Primary outcome
Change in Forward shoulder posture after intervention
Time frame: 30-minutes
Relative- photographic analysis. Participant stand in a relaxed position and have a photo taken from their side where an online program will be used to quantify their forward shoulder posture
Change in Forward shoulder posture after intervention
Time frame: 30-minutes
Absolute measurements taken- double square method. Participants will stand with their back against the wall and the tool will measure the distance from the wall to their acromion process.
Change in Pectoral Length after intervention
Time frame: 30-minutes
Measured passive horizontal abduction of the shoulder
Change in Muscle Activity- Upper Trapezius after intervention
Time frame: 30-minutes
sEMG during a reaching task
Change in Muscle Activity- Middle Trapezius after intervention
Time frame: 30-minutes
sEMG during a reaching task
Change in Muscle Activity- Lower Trapezius after intervention
Time frame: 30-minutes
sEMG during a reaching task
Change in Muscle Activity- Pectoralis Major after intervention
Time frame: 30-minutes
sEMG during a reaching task
Change in Movement performance- reaction time after intervention
Time frame: 30-minutes
Participants will complete a reaching task using custom designed software (E-Prime). The reaching task is a modified Fitts' Task where the participant must reach towards one of five randomly appearing targets.
Change in Movement performance- movement time after intervention
Time frame: 30-minutes
Participants will complete a reaching task using custom designed software (E-Prime). The reaching task is a modified Fitts' Task where the participant must reach towards one of five randomly appearing targets.
Change in Movement performance- accuracy after intervention
Time frame: 30-minutes
Participants will complete a reaching task using custom designed software (E-Prime). The reaching task is a modified Fitts' Task where the participant must reach towards one of five randomly appearing targets.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 7 Mar 2022.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40062388Chimera NJ, Bohunicky S, Glazebrook C, Scribbans T. Postural factors contributing to reaching speed and accuracy. Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2025 Sep;31(3):903-912. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2025.2466919. Epub 2025 Mar 10.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Myofascial Release in people with Healthy, run by University of Manitoba at 1 site in Canada.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 Mar 2022. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Forward shoulder posture after intervention (time frame: 30-minutes). The study lists 10 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04944745, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 7 Mar 2022.