Acute Effects of Upper Arm Tissue Flossing on Upper Extremity Performance and Power

Erzurum Technical University28 enrolled

Overview

This randomized sham-controlled trial investigates the acute effects of upper arm tissue flossing on upper extremity performance and power in healthy adults. Tissue flossing is a compression-based intervention that involves wrapping an elastic band around a limb for a short period while performing movement exercises. Twenty-eight healthy participants are randomly assigned to either an active tissue flossing group or a sham flossing group. The intervention is applied to the dominant upper arm. Upper extremity performance is assessed before the intervention and at 2 and 15 minutes after the intervention using the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) and the Seated Medicine Ball Throw (SMBT). The study aims to determine whether a single session of upper arm tissue flossing can produce immediate improvements in upper extremity stability, functional performance, and explosive power compared with a sham intervention

Tissue flossing is a relatively new technique used in sports and rehabilitation settings. It involves applying a specialized elastic compression band around a limb while the individual performs active movements. Proposed mechanisms include temporary vascular occlusion followed by reperfusion, alterations in neuromuscular function, and changes in fascial tissue mobility. Although tissue flossing has been investigated for lower extremity performance and range of motion outcomes, evidence regarding its effects on upper extremity performance remains limited. The purpose of this study is to examine the acute effects of upper arm tissue flossing on upper extremity functional performance and power in healthy adults. This study is designed as a randomized, sham-controlled, parallel-group trial. A total of 28 healthy volunteers are randomly allocated to either an active tissue flossing group or a sham flossing group. Participants in the active intervention group receive tissue flossing applied to the dominant upper arm using a standardized compression protocol. Participants in the sham group receive a loosely applied band that does not provide therapeutic compression. During band application, participants perform standardized upper extremity movements. Outcome measurements are obtained at baseline, 2 minutes after intervention, and 15 minutes after intervention. Upper extremity functional performance is assessed using the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST). Explosive upper-body power is assessed using the Seated Medicine Ball Throw (SMBT). The primary objective is to determine whether upper arm tissue flossing produces immediate improvements in upper extremity stability and performance compared with a sham intervention. Findings from this study may contribute to understanding the potential role of tissue flossing as a practical strategy for enhancing upper extremity performance in healthy individuals and physically active populations.

Interventions

Active Myofascial CompressionOTHER

The floss band is applied to the participant's dominant upper arm by a licensed physiotherapist. Wrapping proceeds in a distal-to-proximal direction with approximately 50% overlap between layers, terminating just distal to the axilla. The band is stretched to a standardized elongation between 50% and 70% of its maximal length to generate moderate circumferential compression. Once wrapped, the participant performs a standardized 2-minute low-to-moderate intensity active movement sequence consisting of repeated elbow flexion/extension, shoulder flexion/extension, and forearm pronation/supination. The band is fully removed immediately following the 2-minute movement block

Sham Myofascial WrapOTHER

The floss band is applied to the participant's dominant upper arm by the same physiotherapist, maintaining identical therapist contact time, limb positioning, and overall session duration as the active group. However, the band is applied with less than 10% elongation, creating a loosely snug contact fit insufficient to generate meaningful circumferential compression or local vascular occlusion. Once wrapped, the participant performs the exact same 2-minute low-to-moderate intensity active movement sequence (elbow flexion/extension, shoulder flexion/extension, and forearm pronation/supination) before the band is fully removed.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 35 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 18-35 years. 2. Absence of current upper-extremity pain or dysfunction. 3. Ability to safely assume a full push-up position and perform a two-handed seated chest pass. Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of upper-extremity surgery. 2. Acute musculoskeletal injury within the preceding 6 months. 3. Known vascular disease, coagulation or clotting disorders, uncontrolled hypertension, or any other contraindication to short-term circumferential limb compression. 4. Confirmed latex allergy, given that the floss band used in this study was latex-based.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Seated Medicine Ball Throw (SMBT) distance

Upper-extremity explosive power was assessed using the seated medicine ball throw. Participants were seated upright with back support and projected a 2-kg medicine ball horizontally as far as possible in a chest-pass motion. Throw distance was measured from a fixed start line to the point of initial ball contact.

Time frame: Measured at three time points: Baseline (Pre-intervention), 2 minutes post-removal, and 15 minutes post-removal

Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) score

Upper-extremity closed-chain stability was assessed using the CKCUEST. Participants assumed a full push-up (high-plank) position with hands placed on two parallel strips of tape positioned 91.4 cm apart. Participants alternately touched the opposite hand as rapidly as possible for 15 seconds. The metric recorded is the total number of completed hand touches within the 15-second interval.

Time frame: Measured at three time points: Baseline (Pre-intervention), 2 minutes post-removal, and 15 minutes post-removal.