HealthyNCT06871202
Manual Therapy and Physical-sport Performance
A study testing Manual Therapy Protocol in people with Healthy and Musculoskeletal Disorders, run by University of La Laguna at 1 site in Spain.
Trial summary
The study aims to observe the influence of manual therapy on physical and sporting performance. Manual therapy and physiotherapy have always been associated with post-exercise or as a means of recovering from injuries. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 50 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy, Musculoskeletal Disorders
- What is being tested?
- Manual Therapy Protocol
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSpain
- Study dates
- 1 Apr 2025to Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 50 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Engage in low- or moderate-intensity physical activity.
- Engage in physical activity on 3 or more days per week.
- Not have any recent injury in the area of intervention that contraindicates manual intervention.
- Be willing to collaborate in the study.
Who cannot join
- Those people who had an acute injury or one that would prevent them from carrying out physical activity had any contraindication to the application of manual techniques.
- Who were not available during the dates of the study and people.
- Who were undergoing treatment with drugs that could interfere with the tests.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Spain1 site
Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud
San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 38200
About this study
Official title: Influence of Manual Therapy on Physical-sport Performance
The study aims to observe the influence of manual therapy on physical and sporting performance. Manual therapy and physiotherapy have always been associated with post-exercise or as a means of recovering from injuries. The objective is to see if a physiotherapy intervention based on manual therapy causes changes in physical and sporting performance.
To do this, after a brief warm-up, a series of sports tests will be carried out, where the investigators will measure variables such as strength, range of motion, and autonomic nervous system parameters. Subsequently, a series of techniques will be applied in various anatomical regions, and finally, the sports tests will be repeated, and the results will be compared.
- Conditions
- Healthy, Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Being tested
- Manual Therapy Protocol, Sham Protocol, Control-no treatment
- Medical subject headings
- Musculoskeletal Diseases
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Manual Therapy ProtocolOther
The techniques were divided into three main groups: first, those carried out in cervical, thoracic and upper limbs; second, lumbar, pelvic and lower limbs; and finally, only spine. The techniques are carried out by physiotherapists with more than 15 years of healthcare experience and trained in manual therapy with more than 10 years of experience in this field.
Sham ProtocolOther
The placebo protocol places the hands on the same areas as the experimental one and for the same application time but without making a manipulative intervention.
Control-no treatmentOther
Control group without treatment or manual contact
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Therapy Protocol | Other | Protocol for manual intervention using manual techniques on musculoskeletal structures Receives: Other: Manual Therapy Protocol |
| Sham Manual Protocol | Other | Manual sham intervention protocol through the application of manual contacts on musculoskeletal structures similar to the experimental group but without similar intention or pressure Receives: Other: Sham Protocol |
| Control | Other | No manual intervention Receives: Other: Control-no treatment |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Mobility
Measure joint mobility of the spine and upper and lower limbs through photo and video capture and subsequent evaluation with software. Measurements are also taken with goniometry and an inclinometer (angles and/or degrees).
Measured: Baseline; previous the first manual intervention and inmediatly posterior the first manual intervention (first day); 3, 7 and 14 days after the first manual intervention
Secondary outcomes (5)
Strength
Measure the force (kilograms) of the column, lower and upper limbs through dynamometry capture, horizontal force in a treadmill, viewing the force in the Russian belt and jump test.
Measured: Baseline; previous the first manual intervention and inmediatly posterior the first manual intervention (first day); 3, 7 and 14 days after the first manual intervention
Speed
Measure the speed (metres/second) of the column, lower and upper limbs through jump, encoder, and race tests.
Measured: Baseline; previous the first manual intervention and inmediatly posterior the first manual intervention (first day); 3, 7 and 14 days after the first manual intervention
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) as a biomarker of Stress
These parameters were evaluated before, during, and after the manual protocols were applied. For this purpose, the Elite HRV smartphone application was used, which connects to a Polar transmitter band placed on the person's chest at the level of the xiphoid process of the sternum, which allowed constant monitoring of the subject during each of the interventions.
- HRV analysis in time domain - SDNN (Standard Deviation of NN intervals): represents overall HRV and total autonomic activity. Units: ms.
- HRV analysis in time domain - RMSSD (Root Mean Square of Successive Differences): reflects parasympathetic (vagal) activity. Units: ms.
- HRV analysis in time domain - NN50 / pNN50 (Number or percentage of consecutive NN intervals differing by >50 ms): indicates short-term vagal regulation. Units: %.
Measured: Baseline; previous the first manual intervention and inmediatly posterior the first manual intervention (first day); 3, 7 and 14 days after the first manual intervention
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) as a biomarker of Stress
These parameters were evaluated before, during, and after the manual protocols were applied. For this purpose, the Elite HRV smartphone application was used, which connects to a Polar transmitter band placed on the person's chest at the level of the xiphoid process of the sternum, which allowed constant monitoring of the subject during each of the interventions.
- HRV analysis in Frequency-Domain - Total Power (0-0.4 Hz): Overall HRV across all frequency bands. Units: ms².
- HRV analysis in Frequency-Domain - HF (High Frequency, 0.15-0.4 Hz): Reflects parasympathetic activity (vagal tone). Units: ms².
- HRV analysis in Frequency-Domain - LF (Low Frequency, 0.04-0.15 Hz): Represents sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. Units: ms².
- HRV analysis in Frequency-Domain LF/HF Ratio: Balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. Units: ms².
Measured: Baseline; previous the first manual intervention and inmediatly posterior the first manual intervention (first day); 3, 7 and 14 days after the first manual intervention
Stress Salivary Test
The Saliva Stress Test is a non-invasive diagnostic test that measures the levels of key stress biomarkers in the body's response. This analysis uses saliva samples collected at different times of the day (or night) to assess the rhythm of these biomarkers and their fluctuation.
The saliva samples will be analysed for cortisol and IgA concentration using Ipro LFDs on a standard reader. After sample collection and mixing (2 minutes), two drops of saliva/buffer mix from the OFC will be added to the sample window of the cortisol or IgA LFFD.
- Cortisol measure. Unit: nM.
- IgA measure. Unit: µg/ml.
Measured: Baseline; previous the first manual intervention and inmediatly posterior the first manual intervention (first day); 3, 7 and 14 days after the first manual intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 Mar 2025
- Study start1 Apr 2025
- Primary completionDec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionDec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for HealthyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of La Laguna
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Juan Elicio Hernández Xumet, University of La Laguna
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06871202
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CHUC_2024_36
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 25 Feb 2025
- Last updated
- 13 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Influence of Manual Therapy on Physical-sport Performance
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06871202
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CHUC_2024_36
- Conditions
- Healthy, Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of La LagunaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 11 Mar 2025 (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 study aims to observe the influence of manual therapy on physical and sporting performance. Manual therapy and physiotherapy have always been associated with post-exercise or as a means of recovering from injuries. The objective is to see if a physiotherapy intervention based on manual therapy causes changes in physical and sporting performance.
To do this, after a brief warm-up, a series of sports tests will be carried out, where the investigators will measure variables such as strength, range of motion, and autonomic nervous system parameters. Subsequently, a series of techniques will be applied in various anatomical regions, and finally, the sports tests will be repeated, and the results will be compared.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Therapy Protocol | Other | Other: Manual Therapy ProtocolProtocol for manual intervention using manual techniques on musculoskeletal structures |
| Sham Manual Protocol | Other | Other: Sham ProtocolManual sham intervention protocol through the application of manual contacts on musculoskeletal structures similar to the experimental group but without similar intention or pressure |
| Control | Other | Other: Control-no treatmentNo manual intervention |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Engage in low- or moderate-intensity physical activity.
- Engage in physical activity on 3 or more days per week.
- Not have any recent injury in the area of intervention that contraindicates manual intervention.
- Be willing to collaborate in the study.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Those people who had an acute injury or one that would prevent them from carrying out physical activity had any contraindication to the application of manual techniques.
- Who were not available during the dates of the study and people.
- Who were undergoing treatment with drugs that could interfere with the tests.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Therapy ProtocolThe techniques were divided into three main groups: first, those carried out in cervical, thoracic and upper limbs; second, lumbar, pelvic and lower limbs; and finally, only spine. The techniques are carried out by physiotherapists with more than 15 years of healthcare experience and trained in manual therapy with more than 10 years of experience in this field. | Other | Manual Therapy Protocol |
| Sham ProtocolThe placebo protocol places the hands on the same areas as the experimental one and for the same application time but without making a manipulative intervention. | Other | Sham Manual Protocol |
| Control-no treatmentControl group without treatment or manual contact | Other | Control |
Primary outcome
Mobility
Time frame: Baseline; previous the first manual intervention and inmediatly posterior the first manual intervention (first day); 3, 7 and 14 days after the first manual intervention
Measure joint mobility of the spine and upper and lower limbs through photo and video capture and subsequent evaluation with software. Measurements are also taken with goniometry and an inclinometer (angles and/or degrees).
5 secondary outcomes
Strength
Time frame: Baseline; previous the first manual intervention and inmediatly posterior the first manual intervention (first day); 3, 7 and 14 days after the first manual intervention
Speed
Time frame: Baseline; previous the first manual intervention and inmediatly posterior the first manual intervention (first day); 3, 7 and 14 days after the first manual intervention
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) as a biomarker of Stress
Time frame: Baseline; previous the first manual intervention and inmediatly posterior the first manual intervention (first day); 3, 7 and 14 days after the first manual intervention
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) as a biomarker of Stress
Time frame: Baseline; previous the first manual intervention and inmediatly posterior the first manual intervention (first day); 3, 7 and 14 days after the first manual intervention
Stress Salivary Test
Time frame: Baseline; previous the first manual intervention and inmediatly posterior the first manual intervention (first day); 3, 7 and 14 days after the first manual intervention
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 Jan 2026.
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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 Manual Therapy Protocol in people with Healthy and Musculoskeletal Disorders, run by University of La Laguna at 1 site in Spain.
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 4 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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Jan 2026. 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 Spain. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
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?
Mobility (time frame: Baseline; previous the first manual intervention and inmediatly posterior the first manual intervention (first day); 3, 7 and 14 days after the first manual intervention). 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 13 Jan 2026.