Effect of Flexibility Training Versus Static Stretching on Hamstring Muscle Length and Patterns of Lumbar Flexion

NCT02702219 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: LTU_STRETCH_RCT
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 52
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

Mobility training in the form of stretching and flexibility training of our skeletal muscle is a common exercise. However, the evidence are scare and there are only a few studies comparing the effect of prolonged static stretching (\> 90 sec) and dynamic flexibility training as to which of these methods has the best length-enhancing effect over time. Further, in clinical practice concerning low back pain, the possibility of a thigh hamstrings muscles to affect movement control of the spine is often mentioned, a link not fully explored in a controlled condition. The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of eight weeks of dynamic flexibility training versus prolonged static stretching on mobility in the hamstring muscles in adults with reduced mobility in the muscles at the back of the thigh. The aim is also to compare the sustained effect of flexibility training between the two groups, eight weeks after completion of the intervention. Furthermore, the aim is to explore how different forms of flexibility training affects movement patterns of the lumbar spine in adult persons with reduced mobility in the hamstrings.

Conditions

Static Stretching; Dynamic Stretching; Muscle; Low Back

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Change of Range of motion of hip flexion

  Hip flexion is performed in a standardised procedure and is measured in degrees.

  Change from Baseline to after intervention (8 weeks), Change from Baseline to follow-up at 16 weeks

• Change of Fingertip to floor distance

  Distance from fingertip to floor test is performed in a standardised manner and is measured in centimeters

  Change from Baseline to after intervention (8 weeks), Change from Baseline to follow-up at 16 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Change in Waiters bow

  Change from Baseline to after intervention (8 weeks), Change from Baseline to follow-up at 16 weeks

• Change in Sitting bilateral knee extension

  Change from Baseline to after intervention (8 weeks), Change from Baseline to follow-up at 16 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Dynamic streching

EXPERIMENTAL

Mobility training of the hamstrings muscles to be performed every day

Behavioral: Mobility of the hamstrings muscles

Static stretching

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Static stretching of the hamstrings muscles to be performed every day

Behavioral: Mobility of the hamstrings muscles

Interventions

Mobility of the hamstrings muscles BEHAVIORAL

Dynamic streching; Static stretching

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 50 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Restricted hip flexion \< 80 degress due to thight hamstrings muscles

You may not qualify if:

• discomfort or illness from musculoskeletal system which significantly affects the person in his/her everyday life
• previous injury (within 12 weeks) in the hamstring muscle prior to study entry
• known RA diagnosis
• known neurological disease
• medication affecting the musculskeletal system

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Luleå Tekniska Universitet: lead

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 26, 2016
• First Posted: March 8, 2016
• Study Start: March 1, 2016
• Primary Completion: September 1, 2016
• Study Completion: September 1, 2016
• Last Updated: September 19, 2022

Record last verified: 2022-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share