Dynamic vs. PNF Quadriceps Stretching in Cyclists

NCT07164729 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 02092025
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Following an initial assessment, 30 professional cyclists will be divided into two groups (1:1). PNF stretching will be applied to the Quadriceps muscles of the participants in Group A, while Group B will perform dynamic stretching on the Quadriceps muscles. After the interventions, all participants will undergo a second assessment. The study aims to compare the immediate effects of these two different types of stretching on muscle performance, strength and joint range of motion. Participants will attend a single day for both the assessments and the intervention sessions.

Conditions

Sports Physical Therapy

Keywords

Cycling; Sports; Power; Jumping; Anaerobic Performance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Vertical Jump Test

  The vertical jump test is performed by instructing an athlete to jump as high as possible from a standing position. Typically, the athlete will first stand and reach upward to mark the highest point they can touch while standing. Then, they will jump as high as possible, and the jump height will be recorded. The difference between the standing reach and jump height is calculated as the vertical jump distance.

  Through study completion, an average of 1 month

• Anaerobic Power Step Test

  It involves stepping up and down on a platform of a specified height. The participant will step rapidly and rhythmically on the platform for 30 and 60 seconds, aiming to complete as many steps as possible. The total number of steps will be recorded at the end of the test. Proper form and rhythmic stepping will be emphasized during the test; the athlete must place the entire foot on the platform and achieve full extension with each step. The data obtained from this test will be used to assess the athlete's anaerobic capacity and lower-body explosive power

  Through study completion, an average of 1 month

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Lower Extremity Muscle Strength

  Through study completion, an average of 1 month

• Lower Extremity Joint Range of Motion

  Through study completion, an average of 1 month

Study Arms (2)

PNF Stretching

EXPERIMENTAL

Other: PNF Stretching

Dynamic Stretching

EXPERIMENTAL

Other: Dynamic Stretching

Interventions

PNF Stretching OTHER

Dynamic stretching of the quadriceps will be performed using walking lunges. This exercise dynamically stretches the quadriceps and hip flexors while also improving balance and coordination. During the exercise, participants stand upright, step one leg forward, and lower their body by bending the knee. They then step forward with the other leg to complete the movement. Ten steps will be performed for each leg.

PNF Stretching

Dynamic Stretching OTHER

The "Hold-Relax" technique will be applied. Hold-Relax PNF stretching is based on the principle of isometric contraction of the muscle followed by passive stretching. This technique is effective for increasing muscle flexibility and reducing muscle tension. The medial and lateral parts of the quadriceps will be stretched by Flexion-Adduction-External Rotation and Flexion-Abduction-Internal Rotation patterns3. During the exercise, participants will lie prone with the knee flexed. They will be asked to attempt knee extension while the movement is resisted by the physiotherapist. The contraction will be maintained for 10 seconds, after which the participant will be instructed to relax. Following relaxation, the knee flexion angle will be increased. Ten repetitions will be performed for each leg.

Dynamic Stretching

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 25 Years - 50 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Being a professional cyclist (training intensively at least 4-5 times per week and having a minimum of 5-10 years of cycling experience).
• Voluntary participation in the study.
• No recent history of sports-related injury.

You may not qualify if:

• Presence of neurological, orthopedic, or cardiovascular diseases.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istinye University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Istinye University Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Application and Research Center (İSÜFİZYOTEM)

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

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 Officials

• Çiçek Günday, Asst. Prof.

  Istinye University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Arda Akça, Physiotherapist

  Istinye University

  STUDY CHAIR

• Elif Berfin Bulut, Physiotherapist

  Istinye University

  STUDY CHAIR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Asst. Prof.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 2, 2025
• First Posted: September 10, 2025
• Study Start: September 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: October 27, 2025
• Study Completion: October 27, 2025
• Last Updated: December 3, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-11

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)