Acute Effects of Different Soft Tissue Techniques on Hamstring Tightness

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Stretching Group: Manual static stretching applied to the hamstring muscle in five 30-second sets, with 30-second rest intervals. Total application time is 5 minutes.

Self-Myofascial Release: Vibrating foam roller (38 Hz) used for self-myofascial release applied to hamstring muscles. Three sets of 30 seconds, with 30 seconds rest between sets.

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization: Application of IASTM using a concave-edged tool over the posterior thigh for 5 minutes to increase tissue mobility and flexibility.

Study summary

Flexibility is one of the key components of health-related physical fitness and is influenced by various factors such as age, gender, joint structure, and muscle anatomy. Hamstring tightness can contribute to multiple lower extremity injuries. While traditional methods like stretching and myofascial release are commonly used to improve flexibility, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) has recently gained popularity. However, no studies in the current literature have compared the acute effects of these three methods in individuals with hamstring tightness. This study aims to compare the acute effects of stretching, myofascial release, and IASTM in individuals diagnosed with hamstring tightness (defined as \<65° of hip flexion in the straight leg raise test without neurological findings).

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change in Hamstring Flexibility — From enrollment to the end of treatment at 1 weeks
  Hamstring flexibility will be evaluated using the passive and active Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test. An angle \<65° indicates tightness. Change in hip flexion range will be measured at each time point.
• Change in Knee Extension Angle — From enrollment to the end of treatment at 1 weeks
  With the hip maintained at 90° flexion in a supine position, the passive and active knee extension angle will be measured using a goniometer. This test assesses the passive extensibility of the hamstring muscles.

Trial sites (1)

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