Muscle FatigueNCT06626698
Electrical Stimulation vs. Static Stretching in the Leg Muscles
A study testing Static stretching and Electrical muscle elongation in people with Muscle Fatigue, run by University of Seville at 1 site in Spain.
Trial summary
The retraction of the posterior leg muscles consists of a shortening of the muscle fibers that limits ankle dorsiflexion. The objective of this randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) with a double-blind technique and longitudinal chronology is to evaluate the short-term effect of electrostimulation associated with… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Muscle Fatigue
- What is being tested?
- Static stretching and Electrical muscle elongation
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 56 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSpain
- Study dates
- 1 Jun 2024to 31 Jul 2024
- 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 25 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Subjects affiliated with or related to the University of Seville.
- Those with muscular shortening of the posterior chain of the limb.
Who cannot join
- Subjects who engage in sports activity above the average of the sample or who follow an organized stretching program for the posterior leg muscles.
- Hyperlaxity
- History of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular injuries, joint disease, surgery on the lower leg, or serious illness.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effect of Electrical Muscle Elongation vs. Static Stretching in the Leg Muscles Contracture
The retraction of the posterior leg muscles consists of a shortening of the muscle fibers that limits ankle dorsiflexion. The objective of this randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) with a double-blind technique and longitudinal chronology is to evaluate the short-term effect of electrostimulation associated with muscle stretching (electrical muscle elongation technique or EME) compared to static stretching in adult subjects with shortening of the posterior leg muscles.
The main questions it seeks to answer are:
Read more
- Are there significant differences in the short-term effect of electrical muscle elongation versus static stretching exercises on the gastrocnemius complex and Achilles tendon in young adults?
- Does the ankle\'s range of motion increase in both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing positions?
- Does muscle strength increase in ankle plantar flexion?
The researchers will compare the group receiving electrical muscle elongation with interferential current to the group receiving passive static stretching to assess whether there are significant differences in the effects on the ankle\'s range of motion and the muscle strength of the posterior leg muscles.
Participants in this study will perform the following tasks:
- Receive a session of electrical muscle elongation with TENS and static stretching performed by the researcher.
- Follow the instructions during the intervention.
- Undergo evaluations of ankle range of motion and plantar flexor muscle strength
- Record their level of satisfaction after the study.
- Conditions
- Muscle Fatigue
- Being tested
- Static stretching, Electrical muscle elongation
- Keywords
- Achilles tendon, gastrocnemius muscle, electric stimulation, static stretching, articular Range of Motion, randomized Clinical trial, Longitudinal, muscle shortening, Session duration, Comparision group, Electric muscle elongation, triceps surae
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Static stretchingOther
A passive static stretch of the posterior leg muscles will be performed with the subject in a supine position and knees extended, starting with the ankle at 90º and continuing until reaching the maximum tolerated dorsiflexion.
Electrical muscle elongationDevice
The intervention will be performed with the subject in a supine position with knees extended. Electrodes will be placed on the gastrocnemius muscles of the leg being assessed. The parameters will be selected. Static stretching will begin until resistance is felt, at which point the intensity of the electrical current will be increased to induce a visible and tolerable contraction. Simultaneously, the subject will be asked to perform an isometric contraction of the antagonist muscles, resisted by the investigator. When the subject feels the stretch again, the intensity of the current will be increased once more until a new movement barrier is reached.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental: static stretching | Experimental | Passive static stretching of the posterior leg muscles. Single session of 30 seconds per 4 sets with 30 seconds of rest Receives: Other: Static stretching |
| Experimental: EME | Experimental | Electrical muscle elongation with interferential current. Dosage: 4kHz frequency and 100Hz frequency modulation amplitude. Self-adhesive surface electrodes (50x90 mm) and SONOPULS-492 equipment. Single session of 30 seconds per 4 sets with 30 seconds of rest. Receives: Device: Electrical muscle elongation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Evaluation of the ankle range motion
Assessment will be conducted in a prone position using a two-arm goniometer with the knee flexed and extended, as well as in a standing position with a digital inclinometer with the knee flexed and extended. Additionally, the distance from the big toe to the wall will be measured with a tape measure. This evaluation is carried , before and after a electric stimulation to compare if this measure may be different after this intervention At the beginning, during the intervention and a week later.
Measured: Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.
leg muscular force
Assessment will be conducted with the subject in a supine position and with knees extended. The plantarflexor strength of the ankle will be measured using a portable dynamometer. Three measurements will be taken, and the average will be calculated. this measure is carried on to evaluation if the force of the posterior leg muscles may be increased At the beginning, during the intervention and a week later.
Measured: Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.
Secondary outcomes (1)
Patient Global Impression of Improvement cuestionarie
A questionnaire indicating the global impression of improvement after the intervention will be administered at the end of the study. It is to assesment is this study it is confortable for the patient The scale has a total score from 1 to 7. A value of 1 indicates great improvement and a value of 7 indicates that the patient is very unwell.
Measured: At the end of the study, an average of 2 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 Oct 2024
- Study start1 Jun 2024
- Primary completion31 Jul 2024
- Study completion31 Jul 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (4)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Muscle FatigueStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned to either the Experimental Group (Electrical Muscle Elongation, EME) or the Control Group (Static Stretching, SS) to compare the immediate and short-term effects of the interventions.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Seville
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Aurora Castro Mendez, University of Seville
- Investigators
- Aurora Castro PhD, Principal investigator, University of Seville
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06626698
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- US-elect26
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 23 Sep 2024
- Last updated
- 19 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Mizuno T. Combined Effects of Static Stretching and Electrical Stimulation on Joint Range of Motion and Muscle Strength. J Strength Cond Res. 2019 Oct;33(10):2694-2703. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002260.
PubMed 29023326Espejo-Antunez L, Lopez-Minarro PA, Garrido-Ardila EM, Castillo-Lozano R, Dominguez-Vera P, Maya-Martin J, Albornoz-Cabello M. A comparison of acute effects between Kinesio tape and electrical muscle elongation in hamstring extensibility. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2015;28(1):93-100. doi: 10.3233/BMR-140496.
PubMed 25061028Espejo-Antúnez L, López-Miñarro PA, Albornoz-Cabello M, Garrido-Ardila EM. Acute effect of electrical muscle elongation and static stretching in hamstring muscle extensibility. Science & Sports. 1 de febrero de 2016;31(1):e1-7.
Espejo Antúnez L, Maya Martín J, Cardero Durán MA, Albornoz Cabello M. Aumento de la extensibilidad isquiotibial tras aplicar elongación muscular eléctrica. Fisioterapia. 1 de mayo de 2012;34(3):112-7.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 19 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Electrical Muscle Elongation vs. Static Stretching in the Leg Muscles Contracture
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06626698
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- US-elect26
- Conditions
- Muscle Fatigue
- Keywords
- Achilles tendon, gastrocnemius muscle, electric stimulation, static stretching, articular Range of Motion, randomized Clinical trial, Longitudinal, muscle shortening
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of SevilleUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jun 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jul 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Jul 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 4 Oct 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.
The retraction of the posterior leg muscles consists of a shortening of the muscle fibers that limits ankle dorsiflexion. The objective of this randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) with a double-blind technique and longitudinal chronology is to evaluate the short-term effect of electrostimulation associated with muscle stretching (electrical muscle elongation technique or EME) compared to static stretching in adult subjects with shortening of the posterior leg muscles.
The main questions it seeks to answer are:
- Are there significant differences in the short-term effect of electrical muscle elongation versus static stretching exercises on the gastrocnemius complex and Achilles tendon in young adults?
- Does the ankle\'s range of motion increase in both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing positions?
- Does muscle strength increase in ankle plantar flexion?
The researchers will compare the group receiving electrical muscle elongation with interferential current to the group receiving passive static stretching to assess whether there are significant differences in the effects on the ankle\'s range of motion and the muscle strength of the posterior leg muscles.
Participants in this study will perform the following tasks:
- Receive a session of electrical muscle elongation with TENS and static stretching performed by the researcher.
- Follow the instructions during the intervention.
- Undergo evaluations of ankle range of motion and plantar flexor muscle strength
- Record their level of satisfaction after the study.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned to either the Experimental Group (Electrical Muscle Elongation, EME) or the Control Group (Static Stretching, SS) to compare the immediate and short-term effects of the interventions.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental: static stretching | Experimental | Other: Static stretchingPassive static stretching of the posterior leg muscles. Single session of 30 seconds per 4 sets with 30 seconds of rest |
| Experimental: EME | Experimental | Device: Electrical muscle elongationElectrical muscle elongation with interferential current. Dosage: 4kHz frequency and 100Hz frequency modulation amplitude. Self-adhesive surface electrodes (50x90 mm) and SONOPULS-492 equipment. Single session of 30 seconds per 4 sets with 30 seconds of rest. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Subjects affiliated with or related to the University of Seville.
- Those with muscular shortening of the posterior chain of the limb.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Subjects who engage in sports activity above the average of the sample or who follow an organized stretching program for the posterior leg muscles.
- Hyperlaxity
- History of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular injuries, joint disease, surgery on the lower leg, or serious illness.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Static stretchingA passive static stretch of the posterior leg muscles will be performed with the subject in a supine position and knees extended, starting with the ankle at 90º and continuing until reaching the maximum tolerated dorsiflexion. | Other | Experimental: static stretching |
| Electrical muscle elongationThe intervention will be performed with the subject in a supine position with knees extended. Electrodes will be placed on the gastrocnemius muscles of the leg being assessed. The parameters will be selected. Static stretching will begin until resistance is felt, at which point the intensity of the electrical current will be increased to induce a visible and tolerable contraction. Simultaneously, the subject will be asked to perform an isometric contraction of the antagonist muscles, resisted by the investigator. When the subject feels the stretch again, the intensity of the current will be increased once more until a new movement barrier is reached. | Device | Experimental: EME |
Primary outcome
Evaluation of the ankle range motion
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.
Assessment will be conducted in a prone position using a two-arm goniometer with the knee flexed and extended, as well as in a standing position with a digital inclinometer with the knee flexed and extended. Additionally, the distance from the big toe to the wall will be measured with a tape measure. This evaluation is carried , before and after a electric stimulation to compare if this measure may be different after this intervention At the beginning, during the intervention and a week later.
leg muscular force
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.
Assessment will be conducted with the subject in a supine position and with knees extended. The plantarflexor strength of the ankle will be measured using a portable dynamometer. Three measurements will be taken, and the average will be calculated. this measure is carried on to evaluation if the force of the posterior leg muscles may be increased At the beginning, during the intervention and a week later.
1 secondary outcome
Patient Global Impression of Improvement cuestionarie
Time frame: At the end of the study, an average of 2 weeks
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 19 Dec 2025.
- Results publication: PubMed 29023326Mizuno T. Combined Effects of Static Stretching and Electrical Stimulation on Joint Range of Motion and Muscle Strength. J Strength Cond Res. 2019 Oct;33(10):2694-2703. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002260.
- Results publication: PubMed 25061028Espejo-Antunez L, Lopez-Minarro PA, Garrido-Ardila EM, Castillo-Lozano R, Dominguez-Vera P, Maya-Martin J, Albornoz-Cabello M. A comparison of acute effects between Kinesio tape and electrical muscle elongation in hamstring extensibility. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2015;28(1):93-100. doi: 10.3233/BMR-140496.
- Results publicationEspejo-Antúnez L, López-Miñarro PA, Albornoz-Cabello M, Garrido-Ardila EM. Acute effect of electrical muscle elongation and static stretching in hamstring muscle extensibility. Science & Sports. 1 de febrero de 2016;31(1):e1-7.
- Results publicationEspejo Antúnez L, Maya Martín J, Cardero Durán MA, Albornoz Cabello M. Aumento de la extensibilidad isquiotibial tras aplicar elongación muscular eléctrica. Fisioterapia. 1 de mayo de 2012;34(3):112-7.
- 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.
Aurora Castro PhD principal investigator
University of Seville
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Static stretching and Electrical muscle elongation in people with Muscle Fatigue, run by University of Seville at 1 site in Spain.
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 3 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 19 Dec 2025. 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 Spain. 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?
Evaluation of the ankle range motion (time frame: Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06626698, which also lists 4 linked publications.
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 19 Dec 2025.