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PNF Stretching Compared to SMR on Hamstrings

Effects of Hamstrings Flexibility After Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching Compared to Self-myofascial Release: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Status
UNKNOWN
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05134883
Enrollment
80
Registered
2021-11-26
Start date
2021-10-05
Completion date
2022-01-30
Last updated
2021-11-26

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

Conditions

Sports Physical Therapy

Keywords

Stretching, Propioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, Hamstrings

Brief summary

The use of stretching techniques in the sports world is frequent and widely used for its many effects. One of the main benefits is the gain in flexibility, range of motion and facilitation of the sporting performance. Recently the use of self-myofascial release (SMR) has spread in sports practice both at elite and recreational level for its benefits being similar to those observed in stretching. The objective of the following study is to compare the results of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching with SMR on the hamstring muscle flexibility.

Interventions

OTHERPNF

A PNF stretching protocol will be performed with each participant assuming a long sitting position on a plinth with the knee maintained as extended as possible. At this moment, the participant will be asked to perform a maximum isometric hamstring muscle contraction for 5 seconds followed by 5 seconds of relaxation and 20 seconds of stretching. The therapist will show the participant how to maintain this isometric contraction with the flexion of the hip and ankle. Each participant will undergo 4 repetitions of PNF stretching (30 seconds/rep).

OTHERSMR

For the application of self-myofascial release, the subjects will assume a long sitting position on a firm and even surface by placing the arms backward and transferring their body weight to their palms. The roller foam, applied bilaterally, will be placed under the hamstrings and slowly moved back and forth from the ischial tuberosity to the popliteal fossa by applying pressure for 2 minutes.

Sponsors

Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

\-

Exclusion criteria

* hypermobility * hamstring injury in the previous 6 months * diagnosed orthopedic problems * surgery in the lower limbs * back pain * spine surgery * systemic or neurological disorders.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Hamstring muscle flexibility (mm)Change between baseline(immediately before intervention), mid-intervention (30 seconds after the start of the intervention) and post intervention (2 minutes after the start of the intervention)Evaluated with a modified sit-and-reach test (MSR). The participants sit on the floor with their lower limbs stretched out and together, their backs and hips are supported against the wall (90° hip flexion), and the soles of their feet are placed against the edge of a box. Participants then extended their arms forward, placing the same hand on top of the other with both hands facing down. During this, they keep their backs against the wall. They then reach forward, sliding their hands along the measuring scale as far as possible without bending their knees

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Discomfort sensationChange between baseline(immediately before intervention), mid-intervention (30 seconds after start of intervention) and post intervention (2 minutes after the start of the intervention)Measured using the Borg rating of perceived exertion scale (RPE). The participants will be asked at the end of the intervention to give a number from 1 to 10, where 1 is the easiest and 10 the hardest.

Countries

Spain

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 10, 2026