Efficiency of Different Types of Stretching Exercises on Gastrocnemius Tightness
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Muscle Tightness
- Sponsor
- Bitlis Eren University
- Enrollment
- 48
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Ankle-foot Dorsiflexion Index
- Status
- Not yet recruiting
- Last Updated
- 2 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different types and durations of gastrocnemius stretching on the viscoelastic properties of the gastrocnemius muscle, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia.In addition, pain threshold of the gastrocnemius muscle and plantar fascia, as well as on hamstring tightness will be measured.
Detailed Description
The study will include a total of at least 48 individuals who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subsequently, participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups for gastrocnemius stretching exercises of different durations and types. Participants in Group I will perform sustained stretching with a towel, those in Group II will perform intermittent stretching with a towel, those in Group III will perform sustained stretching against the wall, and those in Group IV will perform intermittent stretching against the wall. The stretching exercises will be performed under the supervision of one of the researcher. Compliance with the stretching exercise will be evaluated by keeping a daily log.
Investigators
Omer Dursun
Asst. Prof.
Bitlis Eren University
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Age of 18 to 25 years
- •Having a gastrocnemius muscle tightness in the dominant side
Exclusion Criteria
- •History of lower extremity surgery or trauma
- •Diagnosis of fibromyalgia, neurological disease, achilles tendinopathy, metatarsalgia, acute ankle sprain, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or heel pad syndrome
- •Having received physiotherapy related to the lower extremities within the last six months
- •A body mass index (BMI) above 30 kg/m2
- •Having received a local steroid injection within the last six weeks
- •The presence of a local infection
- •The presence of rheumatic or other systemic inflammatory diseases
- •Diabetes or other metabolic diseases
- •Nerve compression syndrome
- •Currently using painkillers
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Ankle-foot Dorsiflexion Index
Time Frame: Change from baseline ankle dorsiflexion range of motion at seventh and fourteen day
The ankle-foot dorsiflexion index will be used to assess both the tightness of the gastrocnemius muscle and the effectiveness of stretches. The individual's dorsiflexion range of motion will be measured using the lunge test, with measurements taken in both knee extension and flexion positions, and the difference between these measurements will be recorded as the ankle-foot dorsiflexion index.
Measurement of the Viscoelastic Properties
Time Frame: Change from baseline viscoelastic properties at seventh and fourteen day
The effect of stretches on the viscoelastic properties of the stretched muscle and its associated anatomical regions will be evaluated non-invasively using the myotonometer. Measurements will be taken on the medial and lateral gastrocnemius, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia. The measurement areas will be marked prior to measurement. Measurements of the gastrocnemius and Achilles tendon will be taken with individuals lying prone, knees extended, and ankles in a neutral position. Measurement of plantar fascia tone will be taken with individuals lying prone, hips in neutral, knees extended, ankles in neutral position with goniometer assistance, and supported. All measurements will be taken three times, and the averages will be recorded.
Secondary Outcomes
- Measurement of the Mechanosensitivity(Change from baseline pain at seventh and fourteen day)
- Assessment of Hamstring Tightness(Change from baseline hamstring tightness at seventh and fourteen day)