Pectoralis Minor Muscle TensionNCT05429164
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Different Myofascial Release Techniques for the Pectoralis Minor Muscle
A study testing Self Myofascial Release, Myofascial Release and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in people with Pectoralis Minor Muscle Tension and Muscle Shortness, run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of self-myofascial release, myofascial release with a physiotherapist and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) techniques for the pectoralis minor muscle on pectoralis minor muscle length, rounded shoulder posture, glenohumeral joint total rotation range… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Pectoralis Minor Muscle Tension, Muscle Shortness, Mobility Limitation
- What is being tested?
- Self Myofascial Release, Myofascial Release and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 39 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Aug 2022to 1 Aug 2023
- 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 35 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- between the ages of 18-35
- Presence of pectoralis minor shortness
- Not having any upper extremity injury in the last 6 months
Who cannot join
- Presence of upper extremity surgery in the last 12 months
- Presence of neurological disorder in the upper extremity
- Any sensory problems or open wounds around the shoulder
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of self-myofascial release, myofascial release with a physiotherapist and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) techniques for the pectoralis minor muscle on pectoralis minor muscle length, rounded shoulder posture, glenohumeral joint total rotation range of motion (ROM) and skin temperature in asymptomatic individuals.
Read the detailed description
In the literature, the effects of myofascial release and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) applications on individuals with pectoralis minor muscle are investigated, but the available evidence is insufficient. In a study conducted in asymptomatic individuals, self-myofascial release was found to be more effective than placebo application in increasing glenohumeral flexion joint range of motion (ROM), improving pectoralis minor length and advanced scapular posture. However, there was one study comparing the short-term effectiveness of the self-myofascial release method and IASTM methods on pectoralis minor length, glenohumeral total arch movement and skin temperature in individuals with short pectoralis minor, and the results of both applications were found to be similar. Despite these studies in the current literature, the amount of evidence examining the effectiveness of myofascial release technique performed under the guidance of a physiotherapist in individuals with short pectoralis minor is insufficient. However, the number of studies comparing the immediate and short-term effects of different myofascial release methods on the pectoralis minor muscle lengthening is few. Given the limited evidence available, different myofascial release methods may produce different short-term responses on the pectoralis minor muscle, with different results on muscle length, scapular position, glenohumeral total arch motion, and superficial skin temperature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of 3 different myofascial release techniques on pectoralis minor muscle length, rounded shoulder posture, glenohumeral joint total rotation ROM and skin temperature in asymptomatic individuals.
- Conditions
- Pectoralis Minor Muscle Tension, Muscle Shortness, Mobility Limitation, Forward Scapular Posture, Rounded Shoulder Posture
- Being tested
- Self Myofascial Release, Myofascial Release, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
- Medical subject headings
- Mobility Limitation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Self Myofascial ReleaseOther
In the self-myofascial release technique, a tennis ball will be placed on the 4th rib on the shoulder side to be applied on the wall, and the participants will be asked to move the ball using their body along the pectoralis minor.
Myofascial ReleaseOther
A slight caudal force will be applied by the physiotherapist until the pectoralis minor muscle meets the comfortable elastic limit of the soft tissue.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue MobilizationOther
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization will be performed with the specified instruments for the pectoralis minor muscle.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Self Myofascial Release | Active comparator | Self Myofascial Release only Receives: Other: Self Myofascial Release |
| Myofascial Release | Active comparator | Myofascial Release with Physical Therapist Only Receives: Other: Myofascial Release |
| Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | Active comparator | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Only Receives: Other: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
pectoralis minor length
The length of the pectoralis minor muscle will be evaluated by the physiotherapist by calculating the pectoralis minor index (PMI), which is an objective evaluation method. In the calculation of PMI, the distance between the inferomedial of the coracoid process and the caudal edge of the 4th rib in the sternum will be evaluated with a tape measure to measure the length of the pectoralis minor muscle, and the values will be recorded in centimeters. Then, the measured pectoralis minor muscle length value will be calculated by dividing the participant's height in centimeters multiplied by 100. The reference value for PMI is 7.44%.
Measured: Baseline (first assessment)
Secondary outcomes (11)
pectoralis minor length
The length of the pectoralis minor muscle will be evaluated by the physiotherapist by calculating the pectoralis minor index (PMI), which is an objective evaluation method. In the calculation of PMI, the distance between the inferomedial of the coracoid process and the caudal edge of the 4th rib in the sternum will be evaluated with a tape measure to measure the length of the pectoralis minor muscle, and the values will be recorded in centimeters. Then, the measured pectoralis minor muscle length value will be calculated by dividing the participant's height in centimeters multiplied by 100. The reference value for PMI is 7.44%.
Measured: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
rounded shoulder posture
The distance between the posterior border of the acromion and the table will be measured using a ruler while the patient is lying on her back, and the values will be recorded in cm
Measured: Baseline (first assessment)
rounded shoulder posture
The distance between the posterior border of the acromion and the table will be measured using a ruler while the patient is lying on her back, and the values will be recorded in cm.
Measured: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
glenohumeral joint total rotation ROM
The total value of the internal and external rotation angles of the glenohumeral joint will be measured with a digital inclinometer. After the inclinometer is placed on the patient's forearm, the glenohumeral joint total ROM will be recorded by passively externally and internally rotating the arms in the 90° flexion-90° abduction position.
Measured: Baseline (first assessment)
glenohumeral joint total rotation ROM
The total value of the internal and external rotation angles of the glenohumeral joint will be measured with a digital inclinometer. After the inclinometer is placed on the patient's forearm, the glenohumeral joint total ROM will be recorded by passively externally and internally rotating the arms in the 90° flexion-90° abduction position.
Measured: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
skin temperature
An infrared skin thermometer will be used to measure skin temperature.
Measured: Baseline (first assessment)
skin temperature
An infrared skin thermometer will be used to measure skin temperature.
Measured: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
number of trigger points
The presence of myofascial trigger points in the pectoralis minor muscle will be evaluated manually according to the Travel and Simons criteria. The total number will be recorded.
Measured: Baseline (first assessment)
number of trigger points
The presence of myofascial trigger point (MTN) in the pectoralis minor muscle will be evaluated manually according to the Travel and Simons criteria. The total number will be recorded.
Measured: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
pressure pain threshold
In order to evaluate the pain threshold of the pectoralis minor muscle, a pressure algometer (Baseline Push-Pull Force Gauge®, Fabrication Enterprises, Inc.) that can measure the pressure in pounds (Lb) and kilograms (kg), with a 1 cm diameter circular rubber disc attached to the piston at the end, will be used. Measurements will be recorded in kg/cm².
Measured: Baseline (first assessment)
pressure pain threshold
In order to evaluate the pain threshold of the pectoralis minor muscle, a pressure algometer (Baseline Push-Pull Force Gauge®, Fabrication Enterprises, Inc.) that can measure the pressure in pounds (Lb) and kilograms (kg), with a 1 cm diameter circular rubber disc attached to the piston at the end, will be used. Measurements will be recorded in kg/cm².
Measured: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Jun 2022
- Study start1 Aug 2022
- Primary completion1 Aug 2023
- Study completion1 Aug 2023
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Pectoralis Minor Muscle TensionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Istanbul University - CerrahpasaThe 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
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 39 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Büşra Aksan Sadıkoğlu, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05429164
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IstanbulUC-2022
- Status last verified
- Apr 2025
- First submitted
- 14 Jun 2022
- Last updated
- 30 Apr 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Apr 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of the Effectiveness of Different Myofascial Release Techniques for the Pectoralis Minor Muscle
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05429164
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IstanbulUC-2022
- Conditions
- Pectoralis Minor Muscle Tension, Muscle Shortness, Mobility Limitation, Forward Scapular Posture, Rounded Shoulder Posture
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 39 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul University - CerrahpasaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Aug 2022 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Aug 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Aug 2023 (actual)
- First posted
- 23 Jun 2022 (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.
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of self-myofascial release, myofascial release with a physiotherapist and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) techniques for the pectoralis minor muscle on pectoralis minor muscle length, rounded shoulder posture, glenohumeral joint total rotation range of motion (ROM) and skin temperature in asymptomatic individuals.
Detailed description
In the literature, the effects of myofascial release and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) applications on individuals with pectoralis minor muscle are investigated, but the available evidence is insufficient. In a study conducted in asymptomatic individuals, self-myofascial release was found to be more effective than placebo application in increasing glenohumeral flexion joint range of motion (ROM), improving pectoralis minor length and advanced scapular posture. However, there was one study comparing the short-term effectiveness of the self-myofascial release method and IASTM methods on pectoralis minor length, glenohumeral total arch movement and skin temperature in individuals with short pectoralis minor, and the results of both applications were found to be similar. Despite these studies in the current literature, the amount of evidence examining the effectiveness of myofascial release technique performed under the guidance of a physiotherapist in individuals with short pectoralis minor is insufficient. However, the number of studies comparing the immediate and short-term effects of different myofascial release methods on the pectoralis minor muscle lengthening is few. Given the limited evidence available, different myofascial release methods may produce different short-term responses on the pectoralis minor muscle, with different results on muscle length, scapular position, glenohumeral total arch motion, and superficial skin temperature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of 3 different myofascial release techniques on pectoralis minor muscle length, rounded shoulder posture, glenohumeral joint total rotation ROM and skin temperature in asymptomatic individuals.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Self Myofascial Release | Active comparator | Other: Self Myofascial ReleaseSelf Myofascial Release only |
| Myofascial Release | Active comparator | Other: Myofascial ReleaseMyofascial Release with Physical Therapist Only |
| Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | Active comparator | Other: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue MobilizationInstrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Only |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- between the ages of 18-35
- Presence of pectoralis minor shortness
- Not having any upper extremity injury in the last 6 months
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Presence of upper extremity surgery in the last 12 months
- Presence of neurological disorder in the upper extremity
- Any sensory problems or open wounds around the shoulder
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Self Myofascial ReleaseIn the self-myofascial release technique, a tennis ball will be placed on the 4th rib on the shoulder side to be applied on the wall, and the participants will be asked to move the ball using their body along the pectoralis minor. | Other | Self Myofascial Release |
| Myofascial ReleaseA slight caudal force will be applied by the physiotherapist until the pectoralis minor muscle meets the comfortable elastic limit of the soft tissue. | Other | Myofascial Release |
| Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue MobilizationInstrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization will be performed with the specified instruments for the pectoralis minor muscle. | Other | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization |
Primary outcome
pectoralis minor length
Time frame: Baseline (first assessment)
The length of the pectoralis minor muscle will be evaluated by the physiotherapist by calculating the pectoralis minor index (PMI), which is an objective evaluation method. In the calculation of PMI, the distance between the inferomedial of the coracoid process and the caudal edge of the 4th rib in the sternum will be evaluated with a tape measure to measure the length of the pectoralis minor muscle, and the values will be recorded in centimeters. Then, the measured pectoralis minor muscle length value will be calculated by dividing the participant's height in centimeters multiplied by 100. The reference value for PMI is 7.44%.
11 secondary outcomes
pectoralis minor length
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
rounded shoulder posture
Time frame: Baseline (first assessment)
rounded shoulder posture
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
glenohumeral joint total rotation ROM
Time frame: Baseline (first assessment)
glenohumeral joint total rotation ROM
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
skin temperature
Time frame: Baseline (first assessment)
skin temperature
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
number of trigger points
Time frame: Baseline (first assessment)
number of trigger points
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
pressure pain threshold
Time frame: Baseline (first assessment)
pressure pain threshold
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
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 30 Apr 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
Related trials for Pectoralis Minor Muscle Tension
RecruitingObservational study
The Role of Pectoralis Minor Tightness in the Development of Rotator Cuff Tears
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, Rotator Cuff Injuries
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 Self Myofascial Release, Myofascial Release and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in people with Pectoralis Minor Muscle Tension and Muscle Shortness, run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 3 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 30 Apr 2025. 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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. 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?
pectoralis minor length (time frame: Baseline (first assessment)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 30 Apr 2025.