Effectiveness of Gastrocnemius Stretching
Condition: Gastrocnemius Tightness
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      The aims of this study are to: (1) determine muscle activation of the tibialis posterior
      muscle during different common gastrocnemius stretches and (2) radiographically quantify the
      tibial-calcaneal angle during the common stretching positions. We hypothesize that stretching
      over the edge of a step with the arch supported will minimize the activation of the tibialis
      posterior muscle in addition to increasing the tibial-calcaneal angle.
    

Detailed description: 
      Many studies have assessed the effect of dynamic and passive support of the medial
      longitudinal arch. The posterior tibial tendon is the main dynamic stabilizer of the medial
      longitudinal arch, although peroneus/fibularis longus, flexor digitorum longus, and flexor
      hallucis longus also contribute to a lesser degree. Passive structures also a play role in
      supporting the arch and include the plantar fascia, plantar ligaments and spring ligament.
      These plantar structures aid in preventing collapse of the arch during weight bearing.

      Several studies have demonstrated that increased tension from the triceps surae can lead to
      flattening of the arch. Gastrocnemius muscle tightness in particular is thought to be
      partially responsible for many forefoot and midfoot conditions in non-neurologically impaired
      patients. Therefore, identifying effective ways to stretch the gastrocnemius muscle without
      creating increased stress through dynamic structures that support the longitudinal arch may
      be important for the management of individuals with limited gastrocnemius flexibility.

      Common ways to stretch the gastrocnemius include a runner's stretch, stretching with the foot
      fully supported on a ramp, stretching with the arch of the foot supported on the edge of step
      and the heel dropping down toward the ground and lastly, stretching with the ball of the foot
      supported on the edge of a step and the heel dropping down toward the ground. To our
      knowledge no other studies have assessed the muscle activation of the tibialis posterior
      muscle via indwelling EMG activation in addition to radiographic measurements to determine
      the effectiveness of common gastrocnemius stretches. Therefore, the aims of this study are to
      determine muscle activation of the tibialis posterior muscle during different common
      gastrocnemius stretches and to radiographically quantify the tibial-calcaneal angle. We
      hypothesize that stretching over the edge of a step with the arch supported will minimize the
      activation of the tibialis posterior muscle in addition to increasing the tibial-calcaneal
      angle more than the other stretching positions.
    

Intervention name(s): No interventions will be performed in this study
Intervention type(s): Other
Intervention description(s): This study will not include any intervention
Observational model: Other
Time perspective: Prospective
Sampling method: Non-Probability Sample
Study population: 
        Healthy individuals