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

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Static Stretching; Muscle; Low Back; Dynamic Stretching
• Interventions: Behavioral: Mobility of the hamstrings muscles

• Registration Number: NCT02702219
• Lead Sponsor: Luleå Tekniska Universitet

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.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2016-02-26
• Study Start: 2016-03
• Study First Submitted QC: 2016-03-02
• Study First Posted: 2016-03-08
• Primary Completion: 2016-09
• Study Completion: 2016-09
• Status Verified: 2022-09
• Last Update Submitted: 2022-09-15
• Last Update Posted: 2022-09-19

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 52

Inclusion Criteria

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

Exclusion Criteria

• 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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Static stretching	Mobility of the hamstrings muscles	Static stretching of the hamstrings muscles to be performed every day
Dynamic streching	Mobility of the hamstrings muscles	Mobility training of the hamstrings muscles to be performed every day

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change of Range of motion of hip flexion	Change from Baseline to after intervention (8 weeks), Change from Baseline to follow-up at 16 weeks	Hip flexion is performed in a standardised procedure and is measured in degrees.
Change of Fingertip to floor distance	Change from Baseline to after intervention (8 weeks), Change from Baseline to follow-up at 16 weeks	Distance from fingertip to floor test is performed in a standardised manner and is measured in centimeters

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in Waiters bow	Change from Baseline to after intervention (8 weeks), Change from Baseline to follow-up at 16 weeks	Waiters bow is a test of movement controll of the lumbar spine and is measured a if movement is performed correctly or not.
Change in Sitting bilateral knee extension	Change from Baseline to after intervention (8 weeks), Change from Baseline to follow-up at 16 weeks	Sitting bilateral knee extension is a test of movement controll of the lumbar spine and is measured a if movement is performed correctly or not.