Myofascial Release and 20-m Speed in Wheelchair Rugby Athletes With Spinal Cord Injury

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07711015

Centro Universitário Augusto Motta12 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to investigate the effect of myofascial release on sprint performance in wheelchair rugby athletes with spinal cord injury. Participants will complete a 20-meter sprint test on two different days in a randomized crossover design: one day without myofascial release and one day immediately after the intervention. The myofascial release will be applied to the upper limb muscles involved in wheelchair propulsion using a handheld device for 90 seconds per muscle group. Sprint performance will be measured by the time required to complete the 20-meter distance. The study will compare performance between conditions to determine whether myofascial release improves speed.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

Interventions

Manual myofascial release will be applied to the upper limb muscles involved in wheelchair propulsion, including the biceps brachii, brachialis, and triceps muscles. The intervention will be performed by a trained physiotherapist using a handheld device, with 90 seconds of application per muscle group. The treatment will be administered immediately prior to the 20-meter wheelchair sprint test

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women * Aged 18 years or older * Cervical spinal cord injury (tetraplegia) * Practice of wheelchair rugby for at leastm12 months * Participating in team training sessions for at least 3 months prior to the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Musculoskeletal pain * Injury that prevents completion of the study protocol. * Wounds, pressure ulcers, or skin lesions at the site of myofascial release application * Recreational athletes * Medical contraindication to manual therapy * Infection, fever, or acute illness at the time of assessment

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Sprint Time (20 meters wheelchair test)

The 20-m sprint course will be marked on a flat, obstacle-free surface at the same indoor facility where the athletes regularly train, under controlled environmental conditions (wind-free environment and ambient temperature of approximately 26°C). Sprint time (s) will be measured using an electronic timing system consisting of three infrared photocell gates, positioned at the starting line, the 10-m mark, and the finish line. Participants will be instructed to complete the 20-m distance as fast as possible. The test will begin from a stationary position, with the front wheels of the wheelchair positioned immediately behind the starting line. Two trials will be performed, separated by a three-minute passive recovery period. The fastest time recorded across the two trials will be used for statistical analysis.

Time frame: Immediately after each experimental condition (with and without myofascial release), during the 20-meter sprint test sessions.