Sports Physical Therapy
Conditions
Keywords
Cycling, Sports, Power, Jumping, Anaerobic Performance
Brief summary
Following an initial assessment, 30 professional cyclists will be divided into two groups (1:1). PNF stretching will be applied to the Quadriceps muscles of the participants in Group A, while Group B will perform dynamic stretching on the Quadriceps muscles. After the interventions, all participants will undergo a second assessment. The study aims to compare the immediate effects of these two different types of stretching on muscle performance, strength and joint range of motion. Participants will attend a single day for both the assessments and the intervention sessions.
Interventions
OTHERPNF Stretching
Dynamic stretching of the quadriceps will be performed using walking lunges. This exercise dynamically stretches the quadriceps and hip flexors while also improving balance and coordination. During the exercise, participants stand upright, step one leg forward, and lower their body by bending the knee. They then step forward with the other leg to complete the movement. Ten steps will be performed for each leg.
OTHERDynamic Stretching
The Hold-Relax technique will be applied. Hold-Relax PNF stretching is based on the principle of isometric contraction of the muscle followed by passive stretching. This technique is effective for increasing muscle flexibility and reducing muscle tension. The medial and lateral parts of the quadriceps will be stretched by Flexion-Adduction-External Rotation and Flexion-Abduction-Internal Rotation patterns3. During the exercise, participants will lie prone with the knee flexed. They will be asked to attempt knee extension while the movement is resisted by the physiotherapist. The contraction will be maintained for 10 seconds, after which the participant will be instructed to relax. Following relaxation, the knee flexion angle will be increased. Ten repetitions will be performed for each leg.
Sponsors
Istinye University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
DOUBLE (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
25 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Being a professional cyclist (training intensively at least 4-5 times per week and having a minimum of 5-10 years of cycling experience). * Voluntary participation in the study. * No recent history of sports-related injury.
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of neurological, orthopedic, or cardiovascular diseases.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical Jump Test | Through study completion, an average of 1 month | The vertical jump test is performed by instructing an athlete to jump as high as possible from a standing position. Typically, the athlete will first stand and reach upward to mark the highest point they can touch while standing. Then, they will jump as high as possible, and the jump height will be recorded. The difference between the standing reach and jump height is calculated as the vertical jump distance. |
| Anaerobic Power Step Test | Through study completion, an average of 1 month | It involves stepping up and down on a platform of a specified height. The participant will step rapidly and rhythmically on the platform for 30 and 60 seconds, aiming to complete as many steps as possible. The total number of steps will be recorded at the end of the test. Proper form and rhythmic stepping will be emphasized during the test; the athlete must place the entire foot on the platform and achieve full extension with each step. The data obtained from this test will be used to assess the athlete's anaerobic capacity and lower-body explosive power |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Extremity Muscle Strength | Through study completion, an average of 1 month | Lower extremity muscle strength will be measured using the Lafayette Hand-Held Dynamometer (HHD). During its application, the Lafayette HHD measures the force generated during the muscle's maximal isometric contraction. Knee flexion, knee extension, hip flexion and hip extension muscle strength will be measured. The measurement will be repeated three times. |
| Lower Extremity Joint Range of Motion | Through study completion, an average of 1 month | Lower extremity joint range of motion will be assessed using a goniometer. The joint range of motion measurements will include hip flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation, as well as knee flexion and extension. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed