Effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitated stretch therapy on delayed-onset muscle soreness, muscle strength, and stiffness after high-intensity eccentric exercise of the gastrocnemius muscle

Effect of PNF stretch therapy on DOMS, muscle strength, and stiffness after high-intensity eccentric exercise of the gastrocnemius muscle

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Early Phase 1

Study type

Interventional

Source

ChiCTR

Registry ID

ChiCTR2600121287

Enrollment

Unknown

Registered

2026-03-27

Start date

2026-04-01

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2026-03-30

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is a common phenomenon commonly seen after an unaccustomed or high-intensity exercise, especially one dominated by eccentric contractions. It is typically characterized by muscle soreness, stiffness, and pressure that starts 8-24 hours after exercise and gradually increases. This was accompanied by a significant decline in maximal voluntary muscle contraction and joint range of motion, with peak values usually occurring at 48-72 hours

Interventions

PNFS Intervention Group:Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching (PNFS): once daily, each session includes contract-relax technique, static-relax/antagonist contraction technique, and stat

Blank Control Group:Routine rest (no stretching intervention)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

18 Years to 35 Years

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Voluntarily sign informed consent; 2. Healthy active young adults, aged 18-35 years;

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: 1. History of neuromuscular diseases; 2. History of lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders; 3. Previous history of mental illness or antipsychotic medication; 4. Chronic underlying diseases, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, etc.; 5. Recent skin damage of the lower limbs.

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
VAS pain score at specific site of gastrocnemius;Resolution of bilateral DOMS after high-intensity eccentric training;Pressure threshold inducing significant pain;	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
Calf muscle strength (peak torque, PT);Muscle stiffness (shear modulus, SM);	—

Countries

China

Contacts

Public ContactCai Peng

Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University

kadison@smu.edu.cn+86 188 1918 5040

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ChiCTR (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Apr 4, 2026