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

NCT07711015 — Not applicable, Not yet recruiting, 12 participants, Centro Universitário Augusto Motta

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Effect of Myofascial Release on Performance in the 20-Meter Speed Test in Wheelchair Rugby Athletes With Spinal Cord Injury

Registry	NCT07711015, acronym MFR20MWR
Status	Not yet recruiting
Phase	Not applicable
Study type	Interventional; randomized, crossover, masking: none, other
Enrollment	12 (Estimated)
Sponsor	Centro Universitário Augusto Motta (Other)
Conditions	Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
Interventions	Myofascial Release (Other)
Dates	start 2026-08-17 (estimated), primary completion 2026-09-27 (estimated), completion 2026-09-27 (estimated), first posted 2026-07-17, last updated 2026-07-17
Locations	1 site in Brazil

-Summary

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.

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+Arms and interventions

Arm	Type	Interventions	Description
Myofascial Release	Experimental	Other: Myofascial Release	Participants will perform a myofascial release session immediately before performing the 20-m wheelchair sprint test.
Control	No intervention		Participants will perform the 20-m wheelchair sprint test without receiving myofascial release or any other intervention.

Myofascial Release (Other): 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

+Outcome measures

Primary outcomes

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

+Eligibility

Sex: All, ages: 18 Years to 18 Years

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

+Locations (1)

Facility	City	Country	Status
Centro Universitário Augusto Motta	Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro	Brazil

+Study documents

Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan (PDF, 2026-07-11)