Hamstring TightnessNCT06748560
Effects of Neurodynamic Sliding Versus Eccentric Training on Lower Extremity Function, Strength and Proprioception in Athletes with Short Hamstring Syndrome.
A study testing Neurodynamics and Eccentric training in people with Hamstring Tightness and Hamstring Injury Prevention, run by Yeditepe University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Hamstring strains are among the most common injuries in field sports, accounting for 10% of all team sports injuries and often leading to long-term absence from activities. Risk factors include older age, previous injuries, reduced flexibility, and strength deficits. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 years, men only
- Conditions the study is for
- Hamstring Tightness, Hamstring Injury Prevention
- What is being tested?
- Neurodynamics and Eccentric training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 54 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 4 Aug 2023to 1 Oct 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 30 years
- Men only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age between 18-30 years old
- Have a normal body mass index (BMI)
- Have hamstring tightness as indicated by the results of an SLR examination of less than 75o (39).
- Have hamstring tightness as indicated Active Knee Extension Test (AKET) was used to evaluate hamstring shortness. Individuals with AKET angles less than 150 degrees were considered as samples (146).
- Ability to perform exercises.
- Don't having plates (implants) in the lower limbs.
Show all 9Show fewer
- Not having a history of fracture in the lower limb (with or without realignment process).
- Not having history of surgery to repair joint capsules, ligaments, muscles, and nerves,
- A history of or experiencing Hernia Nucleus Pulposus (HNP).
Who cannot join
- Receiving physical therapy or other conventional therapy in the past 6 months.
- Absence in one of the pre- or post-test sessions.
- Absence of more than two sessions in practice sessions.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Neurodynamic Sliding Versus Eccentric Training on Lower Extremity Function, Strength and Proprioception in Athletes with Short Hamstring Syndrome
Hamstring strains are among the most common injuries in field sports, accounting for 10% of all team sports injuries and often leading to long-term absence from activities. Risk factors include older age, previous injuries, reduced flexibility, and strength deficits. The hamstrings play a critical role in dynamic stability and joint preservation, particularly for the hip and knee. While stretching is crucial for injury prevention, there is debate over optimal techniques.
The neurodynamic sliding technique (NST) and eccentric training (ET) are two methods that can improve flexibility and reduce injury risk. This study uniquely combines ET with NST to address hamstring tightness in athletes, aiming to evaluate their effects individually and in combination on knee muscle strength, range of motion, proprioception, and lower limb function compared to a control group.
The hypotheses examine whether these interventions differ in their impact on eccentric and concentric knee strength, the knee flexor/extensor strength ratio, range of motion, proprioception, and dynamic balance (measured via the Y Balance Test). The null hypothesis (H0) proposes no differences, while the alternative hypothesis (H1) suggests significant differences among the intervention methods.
- Conditions
- Hamstring Tightness, Hamstring Injury Prevention
- Being tested
- Neurodynamics, Eccentric training
- Keywords
- Hamstring, Tightness, Neurodynamics, Eccentric exercise
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
NeurodynamicsOther
Following Castellote-Caballero et al., the neurodynamic sliding technique (NST) was applied to the dominant leg's sciatic nerve in the NST and ETNST groups. The technique involves alternating stress proximally and distally to promote nerve sliding. Participants performed two sets of movements-cervical flexion with knee and ankle flexion, and cervical extension with knee and ankle extension-repeated actively for 60 seconds, five times per session. Over six weeks, both groups underwent three supervised sessions per week led by an experienced researcher.
Eccentric trainingOther
The Nordic exercise served as the foundation for the intervention, focusing on eccentric loading as participants resisted falling forward. To minimize DOMS and ensure adherence, a two-week preparatory phase of mixed concentric/eccentric leg curls using a stability ball was implemented. Following this, the gradual progression outlined by Mjolsnes et al. led to a four-week Nordic hamstring curl regimen. Weekly supervision ensured proper technique and compliance throughout the program.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Eccentric training | Active comparator | The group is consist of 13 participants who did the following treatment protocol:
The Nordic exercise served as the foundation for the intervention, focusing on eccentric loading as participants resisted falling forward. To minimize DOMS and ensure adherence, a two-week preparatory phase of mixed concentric/eccentric leg curls using a stability ball was implemented. Following this, the gradual progression outlined by Mjolsnes et al. led to a four-week Nordic hamstring curl regimen. Weekly supervision ensured proper technique and compliance throughout the program. Receives: Other: Eccentric training |
| Neurodynamic sliding technique | Active comparator | The group is consist of 14 participants who did the following treatment protocol:
The neurodynamic sliding technique (NST) was applied to the dominant leg's sciatic nerve in the NST and ETNST groups. The technique involves alternating stress proximally and distally to promote nerve sliding. Participants performed two sets of movements-cervical flexion with knee and ankle flexion, and cervical extension with knee and ankle extension-repeated actively for 60 seconds, five times per session. Over six weeks, both groups underwent three supervised sessions per week led by an experienced researcher. Receives: Other: Neurodynamics |
| Eccentric training and neurodynamic sliding technique | Experimental | The group consist of 13 participants who did the following treatment protocol:
They underwent a combined treatment incorporating both eccentric training (ET) and the neurodynamic sliding technique (NST). Participants followed the graduated Nordic hamstring exercise protocol for eccentric strengthening, alongside the nerve-sliding movements targeting the sciatic nerve. This combined approach aimed to optimize muscle flexibility, strength, and neural mobility. The interventions were performed over six weeks, with three supervised sessions per week to ensure proper execution and adherence. Receives: Other: Neurodynamics; Other: Eccentric training |
| Control | No intervention | Not described |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Passive Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test
To measure passive hamstring flexibility, participants will lie supine on a bed with their pelvis and opposite thigh secured using straps to prevent compensatory movements. A goniometer will be positioned with its axis at the greater trochanter of the femur, the fixed arm aligned with the midaxillary line, and the moving arm along the lateral malleolus. With the knee extended and the ankle in a neutral position to avoid calf muscle stiffness, the thigh is gently flexed until hamstring tightness is felt. The straight leg's elevation angle will be measured three times, and the average will determine hamstring flexibility. Individuals with an angle less than 75° are classified as having short hamstring muscles.
Measured: 1-2 minutes
Secondary outcomes (3)
Knee muscle strength
Quadriceps and hamstring strength will be measured using the Biodex Pro 3 isokinetic device. Participants will sit comfortably with their trunk, pelvis, and thigh secured by straps, and the dynamometer axis aligned with the knee joint's center of rotation. After adjustments for proper positioning, the test leg will be attached to the device. Following familiarization and warm-up contractions, participants will perform maximum effort tests. Strength will be evaluated at angular speeds of 60°/s and 120°/s in both concentric and eccentric modes, with knee joint movement controlled between 0° and 90°.
Measured: 10 minutes
Knee joint proprioception
Knee joint proprioception was assessed using the Biodex dynamometer in continuous passive motion mode at a constant speed of 5°/s. Participants sat with knees and hips bent at 90°, aligned with the dynamometer's axis, while wearing a blindfold and pneumatic boot to block visual and tactile cues. The test involved 90° of knee movement, from full extension (0°) to full flexion (90°). After practice trials, participants aimed to identify a target position (60°) during knee flexion and hit an abort button when they believed they reached it. The deviation from the target position was recorded based on three repetitions.
Measured: 10 minutes
Y balance test
YBT test performance was assessed with a Y Balance Test Kit. Before assessment, participants were acquainted with the Y-Balance Test (YBT) by practicing on their injured limb. The YBT was performed on a platform. Throughout the task, the standing leg remained on the platform, while the other leg executed error-free maximum reach in three directions: anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral. Maximum distances in each direction, relative to the stance leg, were measured. During the test, participants kept their hands on their waists, and each direction was repeated three times with a 10-second rest between trials.
Measured: 15 minutes
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted27 Dec 2024
- Study start4 Aug 2023
- Primary completion1 Dec 2023
- Study completion1 Oct 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Hamstring TightnessStudies 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
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 54 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Yeditepe University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Elif Tuğçe Çil, Yeditepe University
- Investigators
- Elif Tuğçe ÇİL, Assistant Prof. Dr., Study director, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation department, Yeditepe University, istanbul, Turkey
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06748560
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- MOHAMMADYEDITEPESPORTTHESIS
- Status last verified
- Dec 2024
- First submitted
- 3 Dec 2024
- Last updated
- 27 Dec 2024
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 27 Dec 2024. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Neurodynamic Sliding Versus Eccentric Training on Lower Extremity Function, Strength and Proprioception in Athletes with Short Hamstring Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06748560
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MOHAMMADYEDITEPESPORTTHESIS
- Conditions
- Hamstring Tightness, Hamstring Injury Prevention
- Keywords
- Hamstring, Tightness, Neurodynamics, Eccentric exercise
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 54 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Yeditepe UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 4 Aug 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Dec 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Oct 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 27 Dec 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.
Hamstring strains are among the most common injuries in field sports, accounting for 10% of all team sports injuries and often leading to long-term absence from activities. Risk factors include older age, previous injuries, reduced flexibility, and strength deficits. The hamstrings play a critical role in dynamic stability and joint preservation, particularly for the hip and knee. While stretching is crucial for injury prevention, there is debate over optimal techniques.
The neurodynamic sliding technique (NST) and eccentric training (ET) are two methods that can improve flexibility and reduce injury risk. This study uniquely combines ET with NST to address hamstring tightness in athletes, aiming to evaluate their effects individually and in combination on knee muscle strength, range of motion, proprioception, and lower limb function compared to a control group.
The hypotheses examine whether these interventions differ in their impact on eccentric and concentric knee strength, the knee flexor/extensor strength ratio, range of motion, proprioception, and dynamic balance (measured via the Y Balance Test). The null hypothesis (H0) proposes no differences, while the alternative hypothesis (H1) suggests significant differences among the intervention methods.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Eccentric training | Active comparator | Other: Eccentric trainingThe group is consist of 13 participants who did the following treatment protocol: The Nordic exercise served as the foundation for the intervention, focusing on eccentric loading as participants resisted falling forward. To minimize DOMS and ensure adherence, a two-week preparatory phase of mixed concentric/eccentric leg curls using a stability ball was implemented. Following this, the gradual progression outlined by Mjolsnes et al. led to a four-week Nordic hamstring curl regimen. Weekly supervision ensured proper technique and compliance throughout the program. |
| Neurodynamic sliding technique | Active comparator | Other: NeurodynamicsThe group is consist of 14 participants who did the following treatment protocol: The neurodynamic sliding technique (NST) was applied to the dominant leg's sciatic nerve in the NST and ETNST groups. The technique involves alternating stress proximally and distally to promote nerve sliding. Participants performed two sets of movements-cervical flexion with knee and ankle flexion, and cervical extension with knee and ankle extension-repeated actively for 60 seconds, five times per session. Over six weeks, both groups underwent three supervised sessions per week led by an experienced researcher. |
| Eccentric training and neurodynamic sliding technique | Experimental | Other: Neurodynamics, Other: Eccentric trainingThe group consist of 13 participants who did the following treatment protocol: They underwent a combined treatment incorporating both eccentric training (ET) and the neurodynamic sliding technique (NST). Participants followed the graduated Nordic hamstring exercise protocol for eccentric strengthening, alongside the nerve-sliding movements targeting the sciatic nerve. This combined approach aimed to optimize muscle flexibility, strength, and neural mobility. The interventions were performed over six weeks, with three supervised sessions per week to ensure proper execution and adherence. |
| Control | No intervention | – |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Age between 18-30 years old
- Have a normal body mass index (BMI)
- Have hamstring tightness as indicated by the results of an SLR examination of less than 75o (39).
- Have hamstring tightness as indicated Active Knee Extension Test (AKET) was used to evaluate hamstring shortness. Individuals with AKET angles less than 150 degrees were considered as samples (146).
- Ability to perform exercises.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Receiving physical therapy or other conventional therapy in the past 6 months.
- Absence in one of the pre- or post-test sessions.
- Absence of more than two sessions in practice sessions.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| NeurodynamicsFollowing Castellote-Caballero et al., the neurodynamic sliding technique (NST) was applied to the dominant leg's sciatic nerve in the NST and ETNST groups. The technique involves alternating stress proximally and distally to promote nerve sliding. Participants performed two sets of movements-cervical flexion with knee and ankle flexion, and cervical extension with knee and ankle extension-repeated actively for 60 seconds, five times per session. Over six weeks, both groups underwent three supervised sessions per week led by an experienced researcher. | Other | Eccentric training and neurodynamic sliding technique, Neurodynamic sliding technique |
| Eccentric trainingThe Nordic exercise served as the foundation for the intervention, focusing on eccentric loading as participants resisted falling forward. To minimize DOMS and ensure adherence, a two-week preparatory phase of mixed concentric/eccentric leg curls using a stability ball was implemented. Following this, the gradual progression outlined by Mjolsnes et al. led to a four-week Nordic hamstring curl regimen. Weekly supervision ensured proper technique and compliance throughout the program. | Other | Eccentric training, Eccentric training and neurodynamic sliding technique |
Primary outcome
Passive Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test
Time frame: 1-2 minutes
To measure passive hamstring flexibility, participants will lie supine on a bed with their pelvis and opposite thigh secured using straps to prevent compensatory movements. A goniometer will be positioned with its axis at the greater trochanter of the femur, the fixed arm aligned with the midaxillary line, and the moving arm along the lateral malleolus. With the knee extended and the ankle in a neutral position to avoid calf muscle stiffness, the thigh is gently flexed until hamstring tightness is felt. The straight leg's elevation angle will be measured three times, and the average will determine hamstring flexibility. Individuals with an angle less than 75° are classified as having short hamstring muscles.
3 secondary outcomes
Knee muscle strength
Time frame: 10 minutes
Knee joint proprioception
Time frame: 10 minutes
Y balance test
Time frame: 15 minutes
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 27 Dec 2024.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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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 Tuğçe ÇİL, Assistant Prof. Dr. study director
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation department, Yeditepe University, istanbul, Turkey
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Neurodynamics and Eccentric training in people with Hamstring Tightness and Hamstring Injury Prevention, run by Yeditepe 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 9 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 27 Dec 2024. 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?
Passive Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test (time frame: 1-2 minutes). 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 27 Dec 2024.