Effect of Flexibility Training Versus Static Stretching on Hamstring Muscle Length and Patterns of Lumbar Flexion

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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.

Official Title
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Effect of Dynamic Flexibility Training Versus Prolonged Static Stretching on Length of the Hamstrings Muscles and Patterns of Lumbar Flexion in Healthy Adults -a Randomized Controlled Trial

Conditions
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Muscle, Low Back, Static Stretching, Dynamic Stretching

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Mobility of the hamstrings muscles


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Dynamic streching<br>Mobility training of the hamstrings muscles to be performed every day | Behavioral: Mobility of the hamstrings muscles<br> <br> |
| Active Comparator: Static stretching<br>Static stretching of the hamstrings muscles to be performed every day | Behavioral: Mobility of the hamstrings muscles<br> <br> |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change of Range of motion of hip flexion | Hip flexion is performed in a standardised procedure and is measured in degrees. | Change from Baseline to after intervention (8 weeks), Change from Baseline to follow-up at 16 weeks | 
| Change of Fingertip to floor distance | Distance from fingertip to floor test is performed in a standardised manner and is measured in centimeters | Change from Baseline to after intervention (8 weeks), Change from Baseline to follow-up at 16 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Waiters bow | Waiters bow is a test of movement controll of the lumbar spine and is measured a if movement is performed correctly or not. | Change from Baseline to after intervention (8 weeks), Change from Baseline to follow-up at 16 weeks | 
| Change in Sitting bilateral knee extension | 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. | Change from Baseline to after intervention (8 weeks), Change from Baseline to follow-up at 16 weeks |