Effect of Flexibility Training Versus Static Stretching on Hamstring Muscle Length and Patterns of Lumbar Flexion
Study Details
Study Description
Brief Summary
Mobility training in the form of stretching and flexibility training of our skeletal muscle is a common exercise. However, the evidence are scare and there are only a few studies comparing the effect of prolonged static stretching (> 90 sec) and dynamic flexibility training as to which of these methods has the best length-enhancing effect over time. Further, in clinical practice concerning low back pain, the possibility of a thigh hamstrings muscles to affect movement control of the spine is often mentioned, a link not fully explored in a controlled condition. The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of eight weeks of dynamic flexibility training versus prolonged static stretching on mobility in the hamstring muscles in adults with reduced mobility in the muscles at the back of the thigh. The aim is also to compare the sustained effect of flexibility training between the two groups, eight weeks after completion of the intervention. Furthermore, the aim is to explore how different forms of flexibility training affects movement patterns of the lumbar spine in adult persons with reduced mobility in the hamstrings.
| Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
|---|---|---|
|
Phase 2 |
Study Design
Arms and Interventions
| Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
|---|---|
| Experimental: Dynamic streching Mobility training of the hamstrings muscles to be performed every day |
Behavioral: Mobility of the hamstrings muscles
|
| Active Comparator: Static stretching Static stretching of the hamstrings muscles to be performed every day |
Behavioral: Mobility of the hamstrings muscles
|
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
- Change of Range of motion of hip flexion [Change from Baseline to after intervention (8 weeks), Change from Baseline to follow-up at 16 weeks]
Hip flexion is performed in a standardised procedure and is measured in degrees.
- Change of Fingertip to floor distance [Change from Baseline to after intervention (8 weeks), Change from Baseline to follow-up at 16 weeks]
Distance from fingertip to floor test is performed in a standardised manner and is measured in centimeters
Secondary Outcome Measures
- Change in Waiters bow [Change from Baseline to after intervention (8 weeks), Change from Baseline to follow-up at 16 weeks]
Waiters bow is a test of movement controll of the lumbar spine and is measured a if movement is performed correctly or not.
- Change in Sitting bilateral knee extension [Change from Baseline to after intervention (8 weeks), Change from Baseline to follow-up at 16 weeks]
Sitting bilateral knee extension is a test of movement controll of the lumbar spine and is measured a if movement is performed correctly or not.
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Restricted hip flexion < 80 degress due to thight hamstrings muscles
Exclusion Criteria:
-
discomfort or illness from musculoskeletal system which significantly affects the person in his/her everyday life
-
previous injury (within 12 weeks) in the hamstring muscle prior to study entry
-
known RA diagnosis
-
known neurological disease
-
medication affecting the musculskeletal system
Contacts and Locations
Locations
No locations specified.Sponsors and Collaborators
- Luleå Tekniska Universitet
Investigators
None specified.Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Publications
None provided.- LTU_STRETCH_RCT