Chronic Lateral EpicondylitisNCT07695064
Comparing the Effects of Manual Cross Friction Massage Versus Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Pain, Range of Motion, And Functional Disability in Patients With Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis
A study testing Manual Cross Friction Massage (CFM) and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in people with Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis, run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This was a randomized controlled trial done to to compare the effect of manual Cross Friction Massage and IASTM in reducing pain , range of motion and functional disability in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis
- What is being tested?
- Manual Cross Friction Massage (CFM) and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 11 Jan 2026to 2 Jul 2026
- 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
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Both male and female aged between 18 to 60 years with a clinical diagnosis of lateral elbow pain lasting for≥ 6 months duration
- VAS score ≥ 4 during resisted wrist extension or grip activity
- ≥1 of the following tests being positive .
- Mill's test pain on passive wrist flexion and elbow extension
- Cozen's test pain on resisted wrist extension, elbow extended, wrist in flexion and medial deviation .
- Painful palpation at the origin of the ECRB or lateral epicondyle
Who cannot join
- History of recent fracture, dislocation, or surgery near the elbow joint in the last 3 month
- Neurological or systemic inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
- Current use of corticosteroid injections in the elbow region within the past 6 weeks
- Previous physiotherapy interventions for the same complaint in the last 3 months.
- Skin disorders or open wounds near the treatment area.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Ibadat International University, Islamabad
Peshawar, KPK, 25000
About this study
Official title: Comparing the Effects of Manual Cross Friction Massage Versus Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Pain, Range of Motion, And Functional Disability in Patients With Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This was a randomized controlled trial done to to compare the effect of manual Cross Friction Massage and IASTM in reducing pain , range of motion and functional disability in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis.
Read the detailed description
Group A received Manual cross friction massage . Group B received Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization . Visual analog scale, goniometer, Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire was used as outcome tools. This was a single blinded study. Outcome assessor was blind. Data analysis was done at Baseline and post treatment at 6 weeks.
- Conditions
- Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis
- Being tested
- Manual Cross Friction Massage (CFM), Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Manual Cross Friction Massage (CFM)Other
Patient seated , elbow flexed ~90 degree , forearm pronated , extensor tendon exposed and released. Thumb / index finger applies firm transverse pressure . Short , deep ,rhythmic strokes perpendicular to ECRB tendon fibers (5 to 10 min ).Total duration 35 - 40 mins. 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)Other
Seated,Elbow flexed ~ 90 degree , forearm pronated, extensor tendon exposed and relaxed. Stainless steel IASTMCurve bar S shape , dual grip tool was used with moderate ,tolerable pressure . Longitudinal sweeping (1-2 min ) , Cross fiber stokes (1-2 min), Fanning over tender point ( 1- 2min). Flushing stokes (1min).40 -45 mins total time . 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Cross Friction Massage (CFM) | Experimental | Arm Description: Patient seated , elbow flexed ~90 degree , forearm pronated , extensor tendon exposed and released. Thumb / index finger applies firm transverse pressure . Receives: Other: Manual Cross Friction Massage (CFM) |
| Group B: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) | Active comparator | Seated,Elbow flexed ~ 90 degree , forearm pronated, extensor tendon exposed and relaxed. Stainless steel IASTMCurve bar S shape , dual grip tool was used with moderate ,tolerable pressure . Receives: Other: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Visual Analog Scale.
A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to measure pain intensity during rest. The level of pain was recorded on a 10 cm line where 0 was classified as "no pain" and 10 was classified as "worst possible pain". Subjects were asked to indicate their pain level by placing a mark along this horizontal line
Measured: Assessments were performed at baseline (week 0) and post intervention (week 6).
Goniometer
ROM measured was used a standard universal goniometer, which is considered a valid, reliable, and widely accepted clinical tool for assessing joint angles in musculoskeletal conditions. Measurements were taken for wrist flexion, wrist extension, and elbow movements, following standardized positioning and landmark alignment to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Measured: Assessments was performed at baseline (week 0) and post intervention (week 6).
Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire
Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire The Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire is an instrument that has been developed specifically for use with this disorder [16]. It takes the form of a 15-item questionnaire, with five items addressing pain and 10 concerned with functional deficit. For each item, the respondent uses a 0- 10 numerical scale to rate the average pain or difficulty they have experienced over the previous week while carrying out various activities that are commonly painful in tennis elbow. The marking system ensures that pain and function are weighted equally in the total score. Higher scores represent greater se- verity and the maximum score is 100
Measured: Assessments was performed at baseline (week 0) and post intervention (week 6).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Jul 2026
- Study start11 Jan 2026
- Primary completion28 Jun 2026
- Study completion2 Jul 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Chronic Lateral EpicondylitisStudies 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
- Model description
- Group A : Manual Cross Friction Massage (CFM) Group B: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ibadat International University, Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07695064
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/01/206
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 6 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 9 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparing the Effects of Manual Cross Friction Massage Versus Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Pain, Range of Motion, And Functional Disability in Patients With Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07695064
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/01/206
- Conditions
- Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Ibadat International University, IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 11 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 28 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 2 Jul 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 10 Jul 2026 (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.
This was a randomized controlled trial done to to compare the effect of manual Cross Friction Massage and IASTM in reducing pain , range of motion and functional disability in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis.
Detailed description
Group A received Manual cross friction massage . Group B received Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization . Visual analog scale, goniometer, Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire was used as outcome tools. This was a single blinded study. Outcome assessor was blind. Data analysis was done at Baseline and post treatment at 6 weeks.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Group A : Manual Cross Friction Massage (CFM) Group B: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Cross Friction Massage (CFM) | Experimental | Other: Manual Cross Friction Massage (CFM)Arm Description: Patient seated , elbow flexed ~90 degree , forearm pronated , extensor tendon exposed and released. Thumb / index finger applies firm transverse pressure . |
| Group B: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) | Active comparator | Other: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)Seated,Elbow flexed ~ 90 degree , forearm pronated, extensor tendon exposed and relaxed. Stainless steel IASTMCurve bar S shape , dual grip tool was used with moderate ,tolerable pressure . |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Both male and female aged between 18 to 60 years with a clinical diagnosis of lateral elbow pain lasting for≥ 6 months duration
- VAS score ≥ 4 during resisted wrist extension or grip activity
- ≥1 of the following tests being positive .
- Mill's test pain on passive wrist flexion and elbow extension
- Cozen's test pain on resisted wrist extension, elbow extended, wrist in flexion and medial deviation .
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- History of recent fracture, dislocation, or surgery near the elbow joint in the last 3 month
- Neurological or systemic inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
- Current use of corticosteroid injections in the elbow region within the past 6 weeks
- Previous physiotherapy interventions for the same complaint in the last 3 months.
- Skin disorders or open wounds near the treatment area.
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 Cross Friction Massage (CFM)Patient seated , elbow flexed ~90 degree , forearm pronated , extensor tendon exposed and released. Thumb / index finger applies firm transverse pressure . Short , deep ,rhythmic strokes perpendicular to ECRB tendon fibers (5 to 10 min ).Total duration 35 - 40 mins. 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. | Other | Manual Cross Friction Massage (CFM) |
| Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)Seated,Elbow flexed ~ 90 degree , forearm pronated, extensor tendon exposed and relaxed. Stainless steel IASTMCurve bar S shape , dual grip tool was used with moderate ,tolerable pressure . Longitudinal sweeping (1-2 min ) , Cross fiber stokes (1-2 min), Fanning over tender point ( 1- 2min). Flushing stokes (1min).40 -45 mins total time . 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. | Other | Group B: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) |
Primary outcome
Visual Analog Scale.
Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline (week 0) and post intervention (week 6).
A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to measure pain intensity during rest. The level of pain was recorded on a 10 cm line where 0 was classified as "no pain" and 10 was classified as "worst possible pain". Subjects were asked to indicate their pain level by placing a mark along this horizontal line
Goniometer
Time frame: Assessments was performed at baseline (week 0) and post intervention (week 6).
ROM measured was used a standard universal goniometer, which is considered a valid, reliable, and widely accepted clinical tool for assessing joint angles in musculoskeletal conditions. Measurements were taken for wrist flexion, wrist extension, and elbow movements, following standardized positioning and landmark alignment to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire
Time frame: Assessments was performed at baseline (week 0) and post intervention (week 6).
Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire The Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire is an instrument that has been developed specifically for use with this disorder [16]. It takes the form of a 15-item questionnaire, with five items addressing pain and 10 concerned with functional deficit. For each item, the respondent uses a 0- 10 numerical scale to rate the average pain or difficulty they have experienced over the previous week while carrying out various activities that are commonly painful in tennis elbow. The marking system ensures that pain and function are weighted equally in the total score. Higher scores represent greater se- verity and the maximum score is 100
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 9 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis
Recruiting
Effects of Peripheral Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation on Individuals With Elbow or Wrist Chronic Pain
Tennis Elbow Syndrome, Golfer's Elbow
Recruiting
Autologous Fat Grafting for the Treatment of Chronic Tendinopathy
Chronic Tendinopathy
Not yet recruitingObservational study
Illness Perception and Treatment Expectations in Lateral Elbow Pain
Lateral Elbow Pain, Lateral Epicondylitis
Not yet recruiting
ESWT vs HILT in Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis
Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis
Not yet recruiting
Efficacy of a Roller Device Facilitating Self-massage in the Treatment of Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis
Epicondylitis
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 Cross Friction Massage (CFM) and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in people with Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis, run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 6 inclusion and 5 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 9 Oct 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 Pakistan. 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?
Visual Analog Scale. (time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline (week 0) and post intervention (week 6).). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. 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 9 Oct 2026.