Electrical Stimulation vs. Static Stretching in the Leg Muscles

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Muscle Fatigue
• Interventions: Other: Static stretching; Device: Electrical muscle elongation

• Registration Number: NCT06626698
• Lead Sponsor: University of Seville

Brief Summary

The retraction of the posterior leg muscles consists of a shortening of the muscle fibers that limits ankle dorsiflexion. The objective of this randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) with a double-blind technique and longitudinal chronology is to evaluate the short-term effect of electrostimulation associated with muscle stretching (electrical muscle elongation technique or EME) compared to static stretching in adult subjects with shortening of the posterior leg muscles.

The main questions it seeks to answer are:

* Are there significant differences in the short-term effect of electrical muscle elongation versus static stretching exercises on the gastrocnemius complex and Achilles tendon in young adults?

* Does the ankle\'s range of motion increase in both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing positions?

* Does muscle strength increase in ankle plantar flexion?

The researchers will compare the group receiving electrical muscle elongation with interferential current to the group receiving passive static stretching to assess whether there are significant differences in the effects on the ankle\'s range of motion and the muscle strength of the posterior leg muscles.

Participants in this study will perform the following tasks:

* Receive a session of electrical muscle elongation with TENS and static stretching performed by the researcher.

* Follow the instructions during the intervention.

* Undergo evaluations of ankle range of motion and plantar flexor muscle strength

* Record their level of satisfaction after the study.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2024-09-23
• Study First Submitted: 2024-09-23
• Status Verified: 2024-10
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-10-01
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-10-01
• Study First Posted: 2024-10-04
• Last Update Posted: 2024-10-04
• Primary Completion: 2024-10-07
• Study Completion: 2024-10-11

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 50

Inclusion Criteria

• Subjects affiliated with or related to the University of Seville.
• Those with muscular shortening of the posterior chain of the limb.

Exclusion Criteria

• Subjects who engage in sports activity above the average of the sample or who follow an organized stretching program for the posterior leg muscles.
• Hyperlaxity
• History of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular injuries, joint disease, surgery on the lower leg, or serious illness.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Experimental: static stretching	Static stretching	Passive static stretching of the posterior leg muscles. Single session of 30 seconds per 4 sets with 30 seconds of rest
Experimental: EME	Electrical muscle elongation	Electrical muscle elongation with interferential current. Dosage: 4kHz frequency and 100Hz frequency modulation amplitude. Self-adhesive surface electrodes (50x90 mm) and SONOPULS-492 equipment. Single session of 30 seconds per 4 sets with 30 seconds of rest.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Evaluation of the ankle range motion	Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.	Assessment will be conducted in a prone position using a two-arm goniometer with the knee flexed and extended, as well as in a standing position with a digital inclinometer with the knee flexed and extended. Additionally, the distance from the big toe to the wall will be measured with a tape measure. This evaluation is carried , before and after a electric stimulation to compare if this measure may be different after this intervention At the beginning, during the intervention and a week later.
leg muscular force	Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.	Assessment will be conducted with the subject in a supine position and with knees extended. The plantarflexor strength of the ankle will be measured using a portable dynamometer. Three measurements will be taken, and the average will be calculated. this measure is carried on to evaluation if the force of the posterior leg muscles may be increased At the beginning, during the intervention and a week later.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Patient Global Impression of Improvement cuestionarie	At the end of the study, an average of 2 weeks	A questionnaire indicating the global impression of improvement after the intervention will be administered at the end of the study. It is to assesment is this study it is confortable for the patient The scale has a total score from 1 to 7. A value of 1 indicates great improvement and a value of 7 indicates that the patient is very unwell.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Área Clínica de Podología; 🇪🇸 Seville, Spain