Mulligan Techniques for Gait and Pelvic Motion in Short Hamstrings

NCT07846150 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2025 - 977
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 34
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Various stretching methods have been developed to reduce hamstring tightness and improve flexibility. Static stretching is one of the safest and most common methods used to increase muscle length; however, its effect is temporary and diminishes rapidly. Additionally, such conventional methods can be uncomfortable and require longer periods to yield visible results. Unlike other mobilization procedures, the Mulligan concept is performed while patients execute a resisted muscle contraction or move actively or passively. Distinct from many other manual therapy approaches, this technique is applied within a symptom-free range of motion, which likely enhances its safety. Traction Straight Leg Raise (TSLR) and Bent Leg Raise (BLR) techniques are specific interventions defined by Mulligan. There are limited studies in the literature investigating the effects of these two techniques on hamstring flexibility. However, no study has compared these two techniques in terms of spatiotemporal gait parameters and pelvic oscillations. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare the effects of BLR and TSLR techniques applied to individuals with hamstring tightness on hamstring flexibility, spatiotemporal parameters of gait, and pelvic oscillations.

Conditions

Mobilization; Hamstring Muscle Tightness; Gait Analysis

Keywords

Hamstring Muscles; Muscle Stretching Exercises; Joint Flexibility; Gait Analysis

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Passive knee extension test

  the participant was supine with the tested hip flexed to 90° and the femur stabilized. The contralateral leg remained flat on the table. A goniometer was placed with its axis on the lateral femoral epicondyle, the stationary arm aligned with the greater trochanter, and the moving arm with the lateral malleolus. The knee was passively extended until a stretch was felt or hip flexion was compromised, marking the test endpoint.

  Measurements were taken at three time points: before the intervention, immediately following the intervention, and 24 hours later.

Secondary Outcomes (9)

• Cadence (step / min) during gait

  Measurements were taken at three time points: before the intervention, immediately following the intervention, and 24 hours later.

• Speed (m / s) during gait

  Measurements were taken at three time points: before the intervention, immediately following the intervention, and 24 hours later

• Gait cycle duration (s) during gait

  Measurements were taken at three time points: before the intervention, immediately following the intervention, and 24 hours later

• Stride length (m) during gait

  Measurements were taken at three time points: before the intervention, immediately following the intervention, and 24 hours later.

• Stance phase (% cycle) during gait

  Measurements were taken at three time points: before the intervention, immediately following the intervention, and 24 hours later.

Study Arms (2)

Mulligan Bent Leg Raise (BLR) Technique

EXPERIMENTAL

17 individuals in this group, after evaluations, mobilization with movement technique applied by clinians and after that same evaluations will be applied.

Other: Mulligan Bent Leg Raise (BLR) Technique

Mulligan Traction Straight Leg Raise (TSLR) Technique

EXPERIMENTAL

17 individuals in this group, after evaluations, mobilization with movement technique applied by clinians and after that same evaluations will be applied.

Other: Mulligan Traction Straight Leg Raise (TSLR) Technique

Interventions

Mulligan Bent Leg Raise (BLR) Technique OTHER

The participant's flexed knee was supported on the therapist's shoulder. Following a resisted leg push and relaxation, the therapist passively moved the knee toward the ipsilateral shoulder to the maximum pain-free range. If pain occurred, the leg was shifted medially or laterally to find a pain-free pathway.

Mulligan Bent Leg Raise (BLR) Technique

Mulligan Traction Straight Leg Raise (TSLR) Technique OTHER

In a supine position with the knee extended and hip neutral, maximum longitudinal traction was applied to the lower extremity. The limb was passively raised (SLR) until the onset of discomfort and immediately returned to the resting position. If pain was indicated, the movement direction was modified by adding abduction and/or rotation to ensure a pain-free pathway.

Mulligan Traction Straight Leg Raise (TSLR) Technique

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Individuals between the ages of 18 and 35
• Individuals who bilateral hamstring shortness

You may not qualify if:

• A passive knee extension angle of 20° or less
• A history of lower extremity pain or injury within the last 6 months
• Previous lower extremity surgery
• Neurological, rheumatological, or systemic diseases
• Poor cooperation for activities
• Regular participation in sports.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Gazi University: lead
• Cukurova University: collaborator
• Recep Tayyip Erdogan University: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Gazi University

Pursaklar, Ankara, 06145, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Methods

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Investigative Techniques

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: INVESTIGATOR
• Masking Details: Evaluation and mobilization will be performed by two different investigators. The investigator who will make the evaluations will not know in which group the participants are.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Model Details: There will be two separate groups in the study. The individuals in the group will be completely different individuals. Each group will receive a different intervention.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 14, 2026
• First Posted: September 29, 2026
• Study Start: June 20, 2025
• Primary Completion: September 1, 2025
• Study Completion: January 10, 2026
• Last Updated: September 29, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)