Clinical trial NCT06012344: Muscle Energy Technique and Hamstring Nordic Lower for Hamstring Tightness in Young Athletes
Official title: The Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique and Hamstring Nordic Lower in Hamstring Tightness Amongst Young Athletes of Pakistan
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: COMPLETED
Phase: NA
Conditions: Hamstring Tightness
Athletic Injuries
Athletic Performance
Lead sponsor: Health Education Research Foundation (HERF)
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2023-08-25
Enrollment: 60
Sex: MALE
Minimum age (years): 18
Maximum age (years): 25
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: CROSSOVER
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.
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief 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.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* Athletes with Hamstring tightness
* Both male and female will be included.
* Athletes ages form 18 to 25 years
* athletes having SLR \<110˚

Exclusion Criteria:

* Athletes having hamstring injuries
* Patients having painful SLR
* Other orthopedic conditions like LBP,
* Athletes with any deformity
* Recent surgery

Primary outcomes:
measure: hamstring nordic Lower test
timeFrame: phase 1 at baseline
measure: hamstring nordic Lower test
timeFrame: phase 1 post intervention 14th day
measure: hamstring nordic Lower test
timeFrame: phase 2 at baseline (after 4 week of washout period)
measure: hamstring nordic Lower test
timeFrame: phase 2 post intervention 14th day
measure: hamstring nordic Lower test
timeFrame: phase 3 at baseline (after 4 week of washout period)
measure: hamstring nordic Lower test
timeFrame: phase 3 post intervention 14th day
measure: 100 meter sprint
timeFrame: phase 1 at baseline
measure: 100 meter sprint
timeFrame: phase 1 post intervention 14th day
measure: 100 meter sprint
timeFrame: phase 2 at baseline (after 4 week of washout period)
measure: 100 meter sprint
timeFrame: phase 2 post intervention 14th day
measure: 100 meter sprint
timeFrame: phase 3 at baseline (after 4 week of washout period)
measure: 100 meter sprint
timeFrame: phase 3 post intervention 14th day
measure: agility run test
timeFrame: phase 1 at baseline
measure: agility run test
timeFrame: phase 1 post intervention 14th day
measure: agility run test
timeFrame: phase 2 at baseline (after 4 week of washout period)
measure: agility run test
timeFrame: phase 2 post intervention 14th day
measure: agility run test
timeFrame: phase 3 at baseline (after 4 week of washout period)
measure: agility run test
timeFrame: phase 3 post intervention 14th day
measure: vertical jump
timeFrame: phase 1 at baseline
measure: vertical jump
timeFrame: phase 1 post intervention 14th day
measure: vertical jump
timeFrame: phase 2 at baseline (after 4 week of washout period)
measure: vertical jump
timeFrame: phase 2 post intervention 14th day
measure: vertical jump
timeFrame: phase 3 at baseline (after 4 week of washout period)
measure: vertical jump
timeFrame: phase 3 post intervention 14th day
measure: YMCA sit & reach box
timeFrame: phase 1 at baseline
measure: YMCA sit & reach box
timeFrame: phase 1 post intervention 14th day
measure: YMCA sit & reach box
timeFrame: phase 2 at baseline (after 4 week of washout period)
measure: YMCA sit & reach box
timeFrame: phase 2 post intervention 14th day
measure: YMCA sit & reach box
timeFrame: phase 3 at baseline (after 4 week of washout period)
measure: YMCA sit & reach box
timeFrame: phase 3 post intervention 14th day
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Hamstring Eccentric Testing Questionnaire
timeFrame: phase 1 at baseline
measure: Hamstring Eccentric Testing Questionnaire
timeFrame: phase 1 post intervention 14th day
measure: Hamstring Eccentric Testing Questionnaire
timeFrame: phase 2 at baseline (after 4 week of washout period)
measure: Hamstring Eccentric Testing Questionnaire
timeFrame: phase 2 post intervention 14th day
measure: Hamstring Eccentric Testing Questionnaire
timeFrame: phase 3 at baseline (after 4 week of washout period)
measure: Hamstring Eccentric Testing Questionnaire
timeFrame: phase 3 post intervention 14th day
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Islamabad
country: Pakistan
facility: Health Educaiton & research Foundation
state: Capital
Study officials:
affiliation: HERF
name: waqar Ahmed Awan, Ph.D
role: STUDY_DIRECTOR
References: