AthletesNCT06240013
Acute Effects of Foam Rolling and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching
A study testing Foam Rolling and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching in people with Athletes, run by Acibadem University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This randomized, assessor-blinded, parallel-group comparative trial investigated the acute effects of foam rolling (FR) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching used as warm-up strategies in amateur athletes. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Athletes
- What is being tested?
- Foam Rolling and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 80 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 10 Jun 2024to 24 Feb 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age between 18 and 30 years
- Being actively engaged in training or competition in amateur sport
Who cannot join
- Generalized hypermobility
- History of hamstring injury within the previous 6 months
- Diagnosed orthopedic pathology
- Previous surgery involving the lower extremity or spine
- Current low back pain
- Any systemic or neurological disorder that could affect test performance or intervention safety
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Acibadem University
Istanbul, None Selected, 34752
About this study
Official title: Acute Effects of Foam Rolling and PNF Stretching as Warm-Up Strategies on Muscle Flexibility, Strength, and Pressure Pain Threshold in Amateur Athletes
This randomized, assessor-blinded, parallel-group comparative trial investigated the acute effects of foam rolling (FR) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching used as warm-up strategies in amateur athletes. Following a standardized 5-minute aerobic cycling warm-up, participants were randomly allocated to either a foam rolling group or a PNF stretching group. Hamstring flexibility was the prespecified primary outcome. Isometric knee flexion strength, vertical jump performance, pressure pain threshold, and intervention-related perceived exertion were assessed as secondary outcomes. All performance outcomes were assessed before and immediately after the assigned intervention.
Read the detailed description
Foam rolling and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching are commonly used as warm-up strategies to acutely improve flexibility. However, direct comparisons of their effects on flexibility and performance-related outcomes remain limited. This study was designed to compare the acute effects of foam rolling and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching used as warm-up strategies in amateur athletes.
Healthy amateur athletes aged 18 to 30 years were randomly assigned to either a foam rolling group or a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching group. All participants first completed a standardized 5-minute light-intensity cycling warm-up. Participants in the foam rolling group performed unilateral hamstring foam rolling on the dominant lower limb for 3 sets of 30 seconds, for a total application time of 90 seconds. Participants in the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching group performed four repetitions, each consisting of 5 seconds of maximal isometric hamstring contraction, 5 seconds of relaxation, and 20 seconds of passive stretching, for a total application time of 120 seconds.
Hamstring flexibility was assessed using the sit-and-reach test. Isometric knee flexion strength was assessed using handheld dynamometry, vertical jump performance using a standing vertical jump test, and pressure pain threshold using pressure algometry over the hamstring region. Intervention-related perceived exertion was assessed immediately after the assigned intervention. The main outcome measures were assessed before and immediately after the intervention. Outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation.
- Conditions
- Athletes
- Being tested
- Foam Rolling, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching
- Keywords
- Muscle Stretching Exercises, Pain Threshold, Range of Motion, Articular, Muscle Strength, Athletes
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Foam RollingOther
Participants performed unilateral hamstring foam rolling on the dominant lower limb in a long-sitting position on a firm, flat surface. The foam roller was positioned under the hamstring region, and participants slowly rolled back and forth between the ischial tuberosity and the popliteal fossa under sustained body-weight pressure. The protocol consisted of 3 sets of 30 seconds, for a total application time of 90 seconds. Participants were instructed to apply the maximum tolerable pressure that did not produce pain.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation StretchingOther
Participants received unilateral PNF stretching of the hamstring on the dominant lower limb in a long-sitting position with the knee fully extended. Each repetition consisted of a 5-second maximal isometric hamstring contraction, followed by 5 seconds of relaxation and 20 seconds of passive stretching. The therapist provided manual resistance during the isometric contraction and guided the participant into the stretch position. Four repetitions were performed, for a total application time of 120 seconds.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Foam Rolling Group | Experimental | Participants completed a standardized 5-minute light-intensity aerobic cycling warm-up, followed by unilateral hamstring foam rolling on the dominant lower limb. Foam rolling was performed for 3 sets of 30 seconds, for a total application time of 90 seconds. Receives: Other: Foam Rolling |
| PNF Stretching Group | Experimental | Participants completed a standardized 5-minute light-intensity aerobic cycling warm-up, followed by unilateral PNF stretching of the hamstring on the dominant lower limb. Four 30-second repetitions were performed, for a total application time of 120 seconds. Receives: Other: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Hamstring Flexibility Assessed by the Sit-and-Reach Test
Hamstring flexibility was assessed using the Baseline® Sit and Reach Flexibility Tester. Participants sat with both knees fully extended, the lower limbs together, and the soles of the feet placed flat against the testing device. Participants reached forward as far as possible without flexing the knees. Three trials were performed, and the mean value was recorded in centimeters (cm). Higher values indicate greater flexibility.
Measured: Pre-intervention and immediately after the intervention
Secondary outcomes (4)
Vertical Jump Performance
Vertical jump performance was assessed using a standing vertical jump test. Standing reach height was first recorded. Participants then performed a countermovement jump and reached as high as possible. Vertical jump height was calculated as the difference between jump reach height and standing reach height. Three trials were performed, and the highest value was recorded in centimeters (cm). Higher values indicate greater vertical jump performance.
Measured: Pre-intervention and immediately after the intervention
Isometric Knee Flexion Strength
Isometric knee flexion strength was measured using a digital handheld dynamometer (J Tech Commander Muscle Tester). Participants were seated with the hips and knees flexed to 90°. The dynamometer was positioned on the posterior aspect of the lower leg, 5 cm proximal to the lateral malleolus. Participants performed maximal isometric knee flexion for 3 seconds. Three trials were performed with 60 seconds of rest between trials, and the highest force value sustained for more than 0.5 seconds was recorded in kilogram-force (kgf). Higher values indicate greater isometric knee flexion strength.
Measured: Pre-intervention and immediately after the intervention
Hamstring Pressure Pain Threshold
Pressure pain threshold was assessed over the hamstring region using a digital pressure algometer (Baseline FDK 10). Participants were positioned prone, and the algometer probe was applied perpendicular to the most sensitive point of the hamstring region. Pressure was gradually increased at approximately 1 kgf/cm² every 3 seconds until the participant first reported pain. Three measurements were performed with 20-second intervals between trials, and the lowest value was recorded for analysis. Higher values indicate a higher pressure pain threshold.
Measured: Pre-intervention and immediately after the intervention
Intervention-Related Perceived Exertion
Intervention-related perceived exertion was assessed immediately after the assigned intervention using a single-item 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS), anchored from 0 (no exertion) to 10 (maximal exertion). Higher scores indicate greater perceived exertion.
Measured: Immediately after the intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Feb 2024
- Study start10 Jun 2024
- Primary completion24 Feb 2025
- Study completion24 Feb 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for AthletesStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Acibadem UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: a foam rolling group or a PNF stretching group.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Acibadem University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Elif E Bayraktar, asst. prof., Study director, Acibadem UniversityHayri E Yılmaz, Principal investigator, Acibadem UniversityBirce B Çelik, Study chair, Acibadem UniversityMahmut E Bükülmez, Study chair, Acibadem UniversityEren Çekiç, Study chair, Acibadem University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06240013
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2023-20-683
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 12 Jan 2024
- Last updated
- 2 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Acute Effects of Foam Rolling and PNF Stretching as Warm-Up Strategies on Muscle Flexibility, Strength, and Pressure Pain Threshold in Amateur Athletes
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06240013
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2023-20-683
- Conditions
- Athletes
- Keywords
- Muscle Stretching Exercises, Pain Threshold, Range of Motion, Articular, Muscle Strength, Athletes
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Acibadem UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
- Study start
- 10 Jun 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 24 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 24 Feb 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 2 Feb 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized, assessor-blinded, parallel-group comparative trial investigated the acute effects of foam rolling (FR) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching used as warm-up strategies in amateur athletes. Following a standardized 5-minute aerobic cycling warm-up, participants were randomly allocated to either a foam rolling group or a PNF stretching group. Hamstring flexibility was the prespecified primary outcome. Isometric knee flexion strength, vertical jump performance, pressure pain threshold, and intervention-related perceived exertion were assessed as secondary outcomes. All performance outcomes were assessed before and immediately after the assigned intervention.
Detailed description
Foam rolling and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching are commonly used as warm-up strategies to acutely improve flexibility. However, direct comparisons of their effects on flexibility and performance-related outcomes remain limited. This study was designed to compare the acute effects of foam rolling and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching used as warm-up strategies in amateur athletes.
Healthy amateur athletes aged 18 to 30 years were randomly assigned to either a foam rolling group or a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching group. All participants first completed a standardized 5-minute light-intensity cycling warm-up. Participants in the foam rolling group performed unilateral hamstring foam rolling on the dominant lower limb for 3 sets of 30 seconds, for a total application time of 90 seconds. Participants in the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching group performed four repetitions, each consisting of 5 seconds of maximal isometric hamstring contraction, 5 seconds of relaxation, and 20 seconds of passive stretching, for a total application time of 120 seconds.
Hamstring flexibility was assessed using the sit-and-reach test. Isometric knee flexion strength was assessed using handheld dynamometry, vertical jump performance using a standing vertical jump test, and pressure pain threshold using pressure algometry over the hamstring region. Intervention-related perceived exertion was assessed immediately after the assigned intervention. The main outcome measures were assessed before and immediately after the intervention. Outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: a foam rolling group or a PNF stretching group.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Foam Rolling Group | Experimental | Other: Foam RollingParticipants completed a standardized 5-minute light-intensity aerobic cycling warm-up, followed by unilateral hamstring foam rolling on the dominant lower limb. Foam rolling was performed for 3 sets of 30 seconds, for a total application time of 90 seconds. |
| PNF Stretching Group | Experimental | Other: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation StretchingParticipants completed a standardized 5-minute light-intensity aerobic cycling warm-up, followed by unilateral PNF stretching of the hamstring on the dominant lower limb. Four 30-second repetitions were performed, for a total application time of 120 seconds. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Age between 18 and 30 years
- Being actively engaged in training or competition in amateur sport
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Generalized hypermobility
- History of hamstring injury within the previous 6 months
- Diagnosed orthopedic pathology
- Previous surgery involving the lower extremity or spine
- Current low back pain
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Foam RollingParticipants performed unilateral hamstring foam rolling on the dominant lower limb in a long-sitting position on a firm, flat surface. The foam roller was positioned under the hamstring region, and participants slowly rolled back and forth between the ischial tuberosity and the popliteal fossa under sustained body-weight pressure. The protocol consisted of 3 sets of 30 seconds, for a total application time of 90 seconds. Participants were instructed to apply the maximum tolerable pressure that did not produce pain. | Other | Foam Rolling Group |
| Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation StretchingParticipants received unilateral PNF stretching of the hamstring on the dominant lower limb in a long-sitting position with the knee fully extended. Each repetition consisted of a 5-second maximal isometric hamstring contraction, followed by 5 seconds of relaxation and 20 seconds of passive stretching. The therapist provided manual resistance during the isometric contraction and guided the participant into the stretch position. Four repetitions were performed, for a total application time of 120 seconds. | Other | PNF Stretching Group |
Primary outcome
Hamstring Flexibility Assessed by the Sit-and-Reach Test
Time frame: Pre-intervention and immediately after the intervention
Hamstring flexibility was assessed using the Baseline® Sit and Reach Flexibility Tester. Participants sat with both knees fully extended, the lower limbs together, and the soles of the feet placed flat against the testing device. Participants reached forward as far as possible without flexing the knees. Three trials were performed, and the mean value was recorded in centimeters (cm). Higher values indicate greater flexibility.
4 secondary outcomes
Vertical Jump Performance
Time frame: Pre-intervention and immediately after the intervention
Isometric Knee Flexion Strength
Time frame: Pre-intervention and immediately after the intervention
Hamstring Pressure Pain Threshold
Time frame: Pre-intervention and immediately after the intervention
Intervention-Related Perceived Exertion
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Elif E Bayraktar, asst. prof. study director
Acibadem University
Hayri E Yılmaz principal investigator
Acibadem University
Birce B Çelik study chair
Acibadem University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Foam Rolling and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching in people with Athletes, run by Acibadem University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Hamstring Flexibility Assessed by the Sit-and-Reach Test (time frame: Pre-intervention and immediately after the intervention). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Sep 2026.