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Effect of Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Functional and Cognitive Abilities in Elderly

NCT07208630 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 60

Last updated 2026-02-24

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on functional and cognitive abilities in elderly.

BACKGROUND: There is an increased interest in health care with growth of the older population.

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a manual therapy technique using specially designed tools to apply pressure and mobilize soft tissues. It has gained attention as a non-invasive intervention that can aid in improving musculoskeletal health and overall function, especially in older adults. Given the aging population and the rise in age-related functional and cognitive decline, there is a pressing need for effective strategies to enhance quality of life in this demographic.

In the elderly, musculoskeletal issues, such as reduced muscle flexibility, joint stiffness, and soft tissue restrictions, are common and can severely impact physical function. IASTM has been shown to increase tissue perfusion, reduce fascial restrictions, and improve joint mobility. These effects are critical in countering age-related declines in mobility, balance, and overall physical functionality, ultimately promoting greater independence and reducing fall risk. Improved physical function through IASTM may also influence cognitive health positively, as increased physical activity and mobility are linked to better cognitive outcomes in the elderly.

HYPOTHESES: There will be no significant effect of Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on functional and cognitive abilities in elderly.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization is effective on functional and cognitive abilities in elderly?

Conditions

  • Functional Abilities
  • Cognitive Abilities

Interventions

DEVICE

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization

IASTM will be delivered using stainless-steel instruments with beveled edges, applied to the target muscle groups for approximately 20 minutes per session, two times per week, over four weeks. A licensed physical therapist trained in IASTM will perform the procedure. Lubricant will be applied to the skin, and strokes will be delivered in multiple directions with pressure adapted to patient tolerance.

BEHAVIORAL

Traditional physical therapy

The control group will receive a traditional physical therapy program focusing on strength, balance, flexibility, and functional mobility training, combined with simple cognitive stimulation tasks. Sessions will last 30 minutes, two times per week, for four weeks, supervised by a licensed physical therapist.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Cairo University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
65 Years
Max Age
75 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-10-03
Primary Completion
2026-03-31
Completion
2026-03-31

Countries

  • Egypt

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07208630 on ClinicalTrials.gov