"Comparative Effects of PIR and Static Stretching on Hamstring Flexibility" Post-Isometric Relaxation

NCT07153510 | Active Not Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: UHS/DPS-25/1189
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 54
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Hamstring tightness is a common problem among students and young adults, often leading to reduced flexibility, musculoskeletal discomfort, and risk of injury. Different stretching methods are used in physiotherapy practice to improve muscle length and flexibility. Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR), a type of muscle energy technique, and Active Static Stretching (ASS) are two commonly applied methods, but evidence comparing their effectiveness in improving hamstring flexibility among Allied Health Sciences students remains limited. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of PIR and Active Static Stretching on hamstring flexibility in healthy university students. Participants will be randomly assigned to either PIR or ASS groups and undergo stretching sessions for a specified duration. Hamstring flexibility will be measured using the Active Knee Extension test before and after the intervention. The findings will provide evidence to guide physiotherapy education and clinical practice on the most effective stretching technique for improving hamstring flexibility.

Conditions

Hamstring Tightness; Hamstring Flexibility

Keywords

Hamstring tightness,; Post Isometric Relaxation; Active Static Stretching; Students; Allied Health Sciences

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Hamstring flexibility

  Hamstring flexibility, assessed by the Active Knee Extension (AKE) test using a universal goniometer. Assessment Timeline: Baseline (Day 0) Post-intervention (End of Week 4)

  4 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Post-Isometric Relaxation

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will undergo Post-Isometric Relaxation technique targeting the hamstring muscles. The technique involves an isometric contraction of the hamstring followed by a passive stretch. Participant will be in supine position; hip at 90° flexion, Isometric contraction of hamstrings for 7 seconds, Followed by 15 seconds of passive stretch, 10 repetitions, 3 times/week for 4 weeks

Other: Post-Isometric Relaxation

Active Static Stretching

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will perform Active Static Stretching exercises for the hamstrings, where the stretch is held actively without assistance.Seated long sitting position. Participant actively stretches hamstrings for 30 seconds. 10 repetitions, 3 times/week for 4 weeks

Other: Active Static Stretching

Interventions

Post-Isometric Relaxation OTHER

Participants will undergo Post-Isometric Relaxation technique targeting the hamstring muscles. The technique involves an isometric contraction of the hamstring followed by a passive stretch. Participant will be in supine position; hip at 90° flexion, Isometric contraction of hamstrings for 7 seconds, Followed by 15 seconds of passive stretch, 10 repetitions, 3 times/week for 4 weeks

Post-Isometric Relaxation

Active Static Stretching OTHER

Participants will perform Active Static Stretching exercises for the hamstrings, where the stretch is held actively without assistance.Seated long sitting position. Participant actively stretches hamstrings for 30 seconds. 10 repetitions, 3 times/week for 4 week

Active Static Stretching

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 25 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Aged 18-25 years, Active Knee Extension (AKE) test angle \> 20°, Willing to participate and provide informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Any history of hamstring strain or lower limb injury in the past 6 months, Neurological or musculoskeletal disorders, Participation in other flexibility or stretching programs

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Health Sciences Lahore: lead

Study Sites (1)

University of Health Sciences

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54600, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Muscle Stretching Exercises

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Exercise Therapy; Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Patient Care; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Exercise; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Dr. Tooba Arif, PT

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 25, 2025
• First Posted: September 4, 2025
• Study Start: April 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: September 1, 2025
• Study Completion: September 10, 2025
• Last Updated: September 4, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-08

Locations

PA (1)