Muscle Energy Technique and Hamstring Nordic Lower for Hamstring Tightness in Young Athletes
Condition: Hamstring Tightness; Athletic Injuries; Athletic Performance
MeSH terms: Athletic Injuries
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      the study aims to assess the efficacy of two interventions, namely the muscle energy
      technique and the hamstring Nordic lower exercise, in addressing hamstring tightness among
      young athletes in Pakistan.
    

Detailed description: 
      Title: The Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique and Hamstring Nordic Lower Exercise in
      Managing Hamstring Tightness Among Young Athletes of Pakistan

      Objective:

      The primary objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of two interventions,
      the muscle energy technique and the hamstring Nordic lower exercise, in managing hamstring
      tightness among young athletes from Pakistan.

      Background:

      Hamstring tightness is a prevalent issue among athletes, which can lead to reduced
      flexibility, increased risk of injury, and impaired athletic performance. The muscle energy
      technique is a manual therapy approach that involves active muscle contractions and stretches
      to improve muscle flexibility and restore normal range of motion. Conversely, the hamstring
      Nordic lower exercise is a specific eccentric strengthening exercise that targets the
      hamstring muscles and aims to improve their lengthening capacity.

      Study Design:

      A randomized controlled trial will be conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the two
      interventions. Young athletes from Pakistan with hamstring tightness will be recruited as
      participants. They will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: the muscle
      energy technique group or the hamstring Nordic lower exercise group. The interventions will
      be administered by trained healthcare professionals under supervision, following a specific
      duration and frequency.

      Outcome Measures:

      The primary outcome measure of interest in this study is the change in hamstring tightness.
      The measurement tools used to assess this outcome will be reliable and validated. Baseline
      assessments will be conducted before the intervention period, and post-intervention
      assessments will take place immediately after the intervention period.

      Secondary outcome measures may include improvements in hamstring flexibility, functional
      performance, and self-reported symptoms related to hamstring tightness. These secondary
      measures will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of each intervention.

      Data Analysis:

      Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. The outcomes between the two
      intervention groups will be compared to determine the relative effectiveness of the muscle
      energy technique and the hamstring Nordic lower exercise in managing hamstring tightness.

      Implications:

      The findings of this research will offer valuable insights into the most suitable
      intervention for managing hamstring tightness among young athletes in Pakistan. This
      information can contribute to the development of targeted rehabilitation protocols and injury
      prevention strategies in this specific population. Furthermore, the results may also have
      broader implications for similar populations of athletes globally who face similar issues
      with hamstring tightness.

      Conclusion:

      By evaluating the effectiveness of the muscle energy technique and the hamstring Nordic lower
      exercise, this study aims to contribute to the advancement of evidence-based interventions
      for managing hamstring tightness. The results will be disseminated through scientific
      publications and presented at relevant conferences to ensure that the knowledge reaches the
      appropriate healthcare professionals, coaches, and athletes.
    

Intervention name(s): post facilitation stretch; post isometric relaxation; hamstring nordic lower
Intervention type(s): Other; Other; Other
Intervention description(s): PFS Post-Facilitation Stretch Participants in this arm received the intervention of post-facilitation stretch technique. Post-facilitation stretch involves the application of manual stretching techniques to the targeted muscles after a facilitation phase, which aims to enhance muscle extensibility. The participants underwent a standardized post-facilitation stretch protocol focusing on the hamstring muscles.; Participants in this arm of the study received the intervention of post-isometric relaxation technique. Post-isometric relaxation involves the application of isometric contraction followed by a relaxation phase to promote muscle lengthening and improve flexibility. The participants underwent a standardized post-isometric relaxation protocol targeting the hamstring muscles.; Participants in this arm received the intervention of hamstring Nordic lower exercise. The hamstring Nordic lower exercise is a challenging eccentric exercise that specifically targets the hamstring muscles. Participants performed the exercise under supervision and followed a standardized protocol for the number of repetitions, sets, and rest intervals.
Other intervention name(s): Muscle energy technique type II; Muscle energy technique type I
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Crossover Assignment
Intervention model description: This triple-blinded, randomized clinical trial employed a five-phase crossover design to evaluate the effects of post-isometric relaxation, post-facilitation stretch, and hamstring Nordic lower exercises on hamstring function and athletic performance in young athletes. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment groups in Phase I, followed by washout periods in Phases II and IV. In Phase III, participants switched treatments to ensure exposure to all interventions. Outcome measures included hamstring flexibility, lower limb power, speed and acceleration, hamstring strength, and agility. The study utilized triple-blinding and randomization to minimize biases. The findings will guide practitioners and coaches in optimizing training and rehabilitation strategies for young athletes. In conclusion, this trial provides valuable insights into the effects of different treatments on hamstring function and athletic performance, benefiting athletes and enhancing performance outcomes.
Masking: Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment