Improvement of age-induced reduced flexibility
Conditions
Interventions
Group 1: Stretching with vibration: 22 minutes of stretching (2x 2min hamstring stretch, 1x 2min quadriceps stretch, 2x 2min adductor stretch) with superimposed vibration (20Hz)
Group 2: Stretching o
Sponsors
ETH Zürich
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
55 Years to No maximum
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: general healthy
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: surgical implants, osteoporosis, arteriosclerosis, surgical operations within the last 6 months or were pregnant
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Range of motion (ROM) 1. Active ROM using stand-and-reach: Participants stood barefoot and upright on a flat standard stair step (height: 18cm). Feet were positioned hip-width apart and aligned parallel to the edge of the step. With knees fully extended and arms outstretched, participants placed both hands flat against each other (palms facing down, fingers extended) and to slowly bend forward at the hips (trunk flexion) in a controlled manner, avoiding any flexion of the knees or ballistic movements. The goal was to reach as far as possible to or over the edge of the step while maintaining proper form. The maximal reach distance was defined as the furthest point the fingertips could reach and held for two seconds. 2. Passive ROM using Straight-Leg-Raise: Participant were positioned in a supine position on a standard massage table. The goniometer was calibrated against the flat surface of the massage table. To prevent pelvic and contralateral limb movement, the non-tested leg was secured to the table using a lashing strap positioned across the thigh. The tested leg was kept fully extended at the knee and passively raised by the examiner in the sagittal plane. The examiner used one hand to maintain full knee extension by stabilizing the distal thigh or knee, while the other hand held and aligned the digital goniometer along the anterior aspect of the tibia or lower leg. The leg was lifted slowly until the participant reported the point of maximal tolerable stretch, without pain or compensatory pelvic movement. At this end-range point, the hip flexion angle was recorded from the digital goniometer. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Muscle and tendon stiffness: Mechanical properties of soft tissues were assessed using the MyotonPRO (Myoton AS, Tallin, Estland) This handheld device quantifies viscoelastic parameters based on the tissue’s response to a brief mechanical impulse. The following parameters were recorded: oscillation frequency (Hz), dynamic stiffness (N/m), logarithmic decrement (a measure of elasticity), mechanical stress relaxation time (ms), and creep. These values were automatically calculated by the device based on the damped natural oscillation response, averaged over five mechanical impulses. Measurement sides were selected and marked in accordance to manufacturer’s guidelines: • Biceps femoris – on the most prominent part of the muscle belly, located at the midpoint between the ischial tuberosity and the lateral epicondyle of the femur • Achilles tendon – the midpoint between the medial and lateral malleoli of the ankle at the posterior aspect of the leg. Measurement points were marked with a skin-friendly marker to ensure consistent probe placement. During the assessment, participants lay prone on a massage table with feet hanging over the edge of the table, upper body relaxed, arms resting alongside the torso, and head placed to the right side. The MyotonPRO probe was placed perpendicular to the skin surface at the marked location, and measurements were initiated once full contact and stability were ensured. 2. Skin temperature: Skin temperature was assessed using an infrared thermography (IRT) camera FLIR A500-EST (FLIR Systems, Inc., Wilsonville, OR, USA). Thermographic images of the legs were acquired with participants in an upright position. Participants were instructed to stand in front of the wall to provide full view of the lower limbs. To ensure standardized foot positioning, two pieces of tape were affixed to the floor 15 cm apart indicating the location where subjects would position their feet. Regions of interest (ROI) were defined according to anatomic | — |
Countries
Austria, Germany
Contacts
Public ContactDaniel Jochum
Friedrich-Schiller Universität
Outcome results
None listed