Effects of Neurodynamic Sliding Versus Eccentric Training on Lower Extremity Function, Strength and Proprioception in Athletes with Short Hamstring Syndrome.

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Hamstring Tightness; Hamstring Injury Prevention

• Registration Number: NCT06748560
• Lead Sponsor: Yeditepe University

Brief Summary

Hamstring strains are among the most common injuries in field sports, accounting for 10% of all team sports injuries and often leading to long-term absence from activities. Risk factors include older age, previous injuries, reduced flexibility, and strength deficits. The hamstrings play a critical role in dynamic stability and joint preservation, particularly for the hip and knee. While stretching is crucial for injury prevention, there is debate over optimal techniques.

The neurodynamic sliding technique (NST) and eccentric training (ET) are two methods that can improve flexibility and reduce injury risk. This study uniquely combines ET with NST to address hamstring tightness in athletes, aiming to evaluate their effects individually and in combination on knee muscle strength, range of motion, proprioception, and lower limb function compared to a control group.

The hypotheses examine whether these interventions differ in their impact on eccentric and concentric knee strength, the knee flexor/extensor strength ratio, range of motion, proprioception, and dynamic balance (measured via the Y Balance Test). The null hypothesis (H0) proposes no differences, while the alternative hypothesis (H1) suggests significant differences among the intervention methods.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2023-08-04
• Primary Completion: 2023-12-01
• Study Completion: 2024-10-01
• Status Verified: 2024-12
• Study First Submitted: 2024-12-03
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-12-22
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-12-22
• Study First Posted: 2024-12-27
• Last Update Posted: 2024-12-27

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Male
• Target Recruitment: 54

Inclusion Criteria

1. Age between 18-30 years old
2. Have a normal body mass index (BMI)
3. Have hamstring tightness as indicated by the results of an SLR examination of less than 75o (39).
4. Have hamstring tightness as indicated Active Knee Extension Test (AKET) was used to evaluate hamstring shortness. Individuals with AKET angles less than 150 degrees were considered as samples (146).
5. Ability to perform exercises.
6. Don't having plates (implants) in the lower limbs.
7. Not having a history of fracture in the lower limb (with or without realignment process).
8. Not having history of surgery to repair joint capsules, ligaments, muscles, and nerves,
9. A history of or experiencing Hernia Nucleus Pulposus (HNP).

Exclusion Criteria

1. Receiving physical therapy or other conventional therapy in the past 6 months.
2. Absence in one of the pre- or post-test sessions.
3. Absence of more than two sessions in practice sessions.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Passive Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test	1-2 minutes	To measure passive hamstring flexibility, participants will lie supine on a bed with their pelvis and opposite thigh secured using straps to prevent compensatory movements. A goniometer will be positioned with its axis at the greater trochanter of the femur, the fixed arm aligned with the midaxillary line, and the moving arm along the lateral malleolus. With the knee extended and the ankle in a neutral position to avoid calf muscle stiffness, the thigh is gently flexed until hamstring tightness is felt. The straight leg's elevation angle will be measured three times, and the average will determine hamstring flexibility. Individuals with an angle less than 75° are classified as having short hamstring muscles.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Knee muscle strength	10 minutes	Quadriceps and hamstring strength will be measured using the Biodex Pro 3 isokinetic device. Participants will sit comfortably with their trunk, pelvis, and thigh secured by straps, and the dynamometer axis aligned with the knee joint's center of rotation. After adjustments for proper positioning, the test leg will be attached to the device. Following familiarization and warm-up contractions, participants will perform maximum effort tests. Strength will be evaluated at angular speeds of 60°/s and 120°/s in both concentric and eccentric modes, with knee joint movement controlled between 0° and 90°.
Knee joint proprioception	10 minutes	Knee joint proprioception was assessed using the Biodex dynamometer in continuous passive motion mode at a constant speed of 5°/s. Participants sat with knees and hips bent at 90°, aligned with the dynamometer's axis, while wearing a blindfold and pneumatic boot to block visual and tactile cues. The test involved 90° of knee movement, from full extension (0°) to full flexion (90°). After practice trials, participants aimed to identify a target position (60°) during knee flexion and hit an abort button when they believed they reached it. The deviation from the target position was recorded based on three repetitions.
Y balance test	15 minutes	YBT test performance was assessed with a Y Balance Test Kit. Before assessment, participants were acquainted with the Y-Balance Test (YBT) by practicing on their injured limb. The YBT was performed on a platform. Throughout the task, the standing leg remained on the platform, while the other leg executed error-free maximum reach in three directions: anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral. Maximum distances in each direction, relative to the stance leg, were measured. During the test, participants kept their hands on their waists, and each direction was repeated three times with a 10-second rest between trials.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Yeditepe university; 🇹🇷 İstanbul, Ataşehir, Turkey