Hamstring Tightness

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Hamstring Tightness
• Interventions: Procedure: Dry needling; Procedure: Sham needling; Procedure: Blunt needle placement; Other: Standard hamstring stretching exercise

• Registration Number: NCT02516137
• Lead Sponsor: Emory University

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to find out if individuals with tight hamstring muscles who receive dry needling in addition to a standard stretching exercise program, show an improvement in hamstring tightness and function compared to individuals with tight hamstrings who receive either sham dry needling or no needling (blunt needle) in addition to a standard stretching program.

Detailed Description

Tightness of the hamstring muscles is a risk factor for injury. Currently, there is no data on the effect of dry needling on hamstring extensibility or functional performance measures among asymptomatic individuals with hamstring muscle tightness. The investigator wants to assess if individuals with tight hamstring muscles who receive dry needling in addition to a standard stretching exercise program, exhibit reduced hamstring tightness and improved functional performance compared to individuals with tight hamstrings who receive either sham dry needling or no needling (blunt needle) in addition to a standard stretching program.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2015-07
• Study First Submitted: 2015-08-03
• Study First Submitted QC: 2015-08-03
• Study First Posted: 2015-08-05
• Primary Completion: 2017-05-31
• Study Completion: 2017-05-31
• Status Verified: 2017-06
• Last Update Submitted: 2017-06-01
• Last Update Posted: 2017-06-05

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 28

Inclusion Criteria

• Hamstring 90/90 extensibility goniometric measurement of more than 20 degrees of knee flexion bilaterally
• Ability to perform a squat to 90 degrees of knee flexion without assistance of the upper extremities
• Asymptomatic during walking

Read More

Exclusion Criteria

• History of systemic neurological or arthritic condition
• History of bony or peripheral nerve trauma or surgery lower extremities
• History of treatment with dry needling
• No contraindications to dry needling

Read More

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Dry needling group	Standard hamstring stretching exercise	Subjects with tight hamstrings will receive dry needling to the hamstrings with the needle inserted into the muscle tissue in addition to a standard hamstring stretching exercise program.
No needling group	Standard hamstring stretching exercise	Subjects with tight hamstrings will receive no needling but have the tip of a blunt needle handle placed on the skin over the hamstrings in addition to a standard hamstring stretching exercise program.
Dry needling group	Dry needling	Subjects with tight hamstrings will receive dry needling to the hamstrings with the needle inserted into the muscle tissue in addition to a standard hamstring stretching exercise program.
Sham dry needling group	Sham needling	Subjects with tight hamstrings will receive sham dry needling to the hamstrings with the needle inserted into the subcutaneous tissue in addition to a standard hamstring stretching exercise program.
Sham dry needling group	Standard hamstring stretching exercise	Subjects with tight hamstrings will receive sham dry needling to the hamstrings with the needle inserted into the subcutaneous tissue in addition to a standard hamstring stretching exercise program.
No needling group	Blunt needle placement	Subjects with tight hamstrings will receive no needling but have the tip of a blunt needle handle placed on the skin over the hamstrings in addition to a standard hamstring stretching exercise program.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in unilateral hop for distance test scores	Baseline, at 5 weeks from baseline	The functional performance of the hamstring muscles will be assessed by using the unilateral hop for distance test. The subjects will be instructed to stand on the leg to be tested and hop and land on the same limb. The distance hopped, measured at the level of the great toe, will be measured (centimeters). Scores will be recorded as absolute distance (in centimeters). An increase in the score (distance covered) from baseline to 5 weeks from baseline indicates better functional performance of the hamstrings.
Change in crossover hop for distance tests scores	Baseline, at 5 weeks from baseline	The functional performance of the hamstring muscles will be assessed by using the crossover hop for distance test. The subjects will be instructed to hop forward 3 times while alternately crossing over a marking. The total distance hopped forward will be recorded. The heel of the hop leg will be used to determine the length of the jump. Crossover hop limb symmetry index (LSI) scores for knee function within normal ranges are generally greater than 95%. An increase in the crossover hop limb symmetry index (LSI) from baseline to 5 weeks from baseline indicates better functional performance of the hamstrings.
Change in hamstring muscle extensibility	Baseline, at 5 weeks from baseline	Bilateral 90/90 hamstring muscle extensibility passive range of motion (PROM) measurements will be assessed using a goniometer. The goniometer measures the angle of the joint at both extremes of the range of motion (ROM). An increase in the passive range of motion (PROM) indicates increased hamstring muscle extensibility.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in dynamometry pressure readings	Baseline, at 5 weeks from baseline	The strength of the hamstrings will be assessed using a hand-held dynamometer.The subjects will be asked to exert maximal force against the dynamometer and the reading is recorded. Scores are based on force production in kilograms or pounds; kilograms (0-90), pounds (0-200). Higher pressure scores indicate better muscle strength of the hamstring muscles.

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Emory University; 🇺🇸 Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Emory Clinic; 🇺🇸 Atlanta, Georgia, United States