Low Back PainNCT07065851
Comparison of Shockwave Therapy and Exercise on Pain, Flexibility, and Balance in Hamstring Tightness
A study testing Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) and Exercise Program in people with Low Back Pain and Hamstring Tightness, run by Bahçeşehir University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the short- and long-term effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and exercise therapy on pain, flexibility, and balance in individuals with low back pain associated with hamstring tightness. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Low Back Pain, Hamstring Tightness
- What is being tested?
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) and Exercise Program
- Type of treatment
- Medical device, Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 10 Jan 2025to 20 Aug 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- • Diagnosed with low back pain due to hamstring tightness.
- Aged 18-65 years.
- Male or female.
- Medically cleared for ESWT or exercise therapy.
- Experienced low back pain in the past 6 months without serious spinal pathology (e.g., herniated disc, fracture).
Who cannot join
- • Other musculoskeletal conditions causing low back pain (e.g., disc herniation, spinal stenosis).
- Outside the specified age range.
- Serious health conditions that may affect study outcomes.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Surgical intervention in the back or hamstring region within the past 6 months.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Bahcesehir University
Istanbul, Healthy, 34353
About this study
Official title: Comparison of the Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Exercise on Pain, Flexibility, and Balance in Individuals With Hamstring Tightness
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the short- and long-term effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and exercise therapy on pain, flexibility, and balance in individuals with low back pain associated with hamstring tightness. Thirty participants will be randomized into two groups (ESWT or exercise) and receive interventions twice weekly for four weeks. Outcomes include pain (a (VAS), flexibility (Popliteal Angle and Fingertip-to-Floor tests), and balance (Y-Balance Test), assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at a four-week follow-up.
Read the detailed description
This study evaluates the efficacy of ESWT versus exercise therapy in managing low back pain due to hamstring tightness. Participants with diagnosed hamstring tightness and low back pain will be randomly assigned to receive either ESWT or an exercise program, each administered twice weekly for four weeks. The ESWT group will receive standardized shock wave therapy targeting the hamstring muscles and related structures, alongside core exercises. The exercise group will perform a structured program including hamstring stretching and lumbar stabilization exercises, also with core exercises. Assessments will occur at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and four weeks post-treatment. Pain will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), flexibility via Popliteal Angle (PA) and Fingertip-to-Floor (FTF) tests, and balance using the Y-Balance Test (YBT). Data will be analyzed using Statistical analysis will be performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), 26.0, with a significance level of p<0.05. The study hypothesizes that ESWT may provide faster pain relief and balance improvements, while exercise may offer more sustained flexibility gains.
- Conditions
- Low Back Pain, Hamstring Tightness
- Being tested
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), Exercise Program
- Keywords
- Low back pain, Hamstring tightness, Flexibility, Balance, Exercise, Shock wave therapy, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
- Medical subject headings
- Low Back Pain, Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)Device
Non-invasive therapy delivering high-energy shock waves to stimulate healing in musculoskeletal tissues, targeting the hamstring muscles and related structures, administered 2 times per week for 4 weeks, alongside core exercises.
Exercise ProgramBehavioural
Structured exercises focusing on hamstring flexibility, lumbar stabilization, and core exercises, administered 3 times per week for 3 weeks, with sessions lasting 30-45 minutes.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| ESWT Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive ESWT two times per week for 4 weeks. The treatment will target hamstring muscles and related structures using a standardized ESWT protocol (fixed frequency, intensity, and session duration). In addition to ESWT, participants will perform core strengthening exercises during each session. Receives: Device: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) |
| Exercise Group | Active comparator | Participants in this group will perform a structured exercise program three times per week for 4 weeks. Each session will last 30-45 minutes and will include hamstring stretching, lumbar stabilization, and core strengthening exercises. Receives: Behavioral: Exercise Program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Intensity
Measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 0-10 scale where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4 (Post-treatment), Week 8 (Follow-up)
Hamstring Flexibility (Popliteal Angle)
Measured using the Popliteal Angle Test with a goniometer in degrees to assess hamstring muscle flexibility.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4 (Post-treatment), Week 8 (Follow-up)
Hamstring Flexibility (Fingertip-to-Floor Distance)
Measured in centimeters as the vertical distance between the fingertip and the floor during a forward bend with knees extended.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4 (Post-treatment), Week 8 (Follow-up)
Dynamic Balance (Y-Balance Test)
Measured in centimeters using the Y-Balance Test in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4 (Post-treatment), Week 8 (Follow-up)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Jul 2025
- Study start10 Jan 2025
- Primary completion20 May 2025
- Study completion20 Aug 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Low Back PainStudies 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
- This study employs a parallel assignment model with two intervention arms. Thirty participants with low back pain related to hamstring tightness are randomly assigned to two groups (n=15 each): extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) or exercise therapy. Interventions are delivered 1-2 times per week for four weeks. The ESWT group receives standardized shock wave therapy targeting the hamstring muscles. The exercise group follows a structured program including hamstring stretching, lumbar stabilization, and core exercises. Participants remain in their assigned groups throughout the study with no crossover. Outcome measures-pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), hamstring flexibility (Popliteal Angle and Fingertip-to-Floor tests), and dynamic balance (Y-Balance Test)-are assessed at baseline, post-intervention (week 4), and follow-up (week 8). Single blinding is applied for the outcome assessor to minimize bias in measurements.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Bahçeşehir University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Mitra Valaei Bakhshayesh, Bahçeşehir University
- Investigators
- Hasankerem Alptekin, Prof.Dr, Study director, Bahçeşehir University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07065851
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Bah-YLTez25
- Status last verified
- Jul 2025
- First submitted
- 5 Jun 2025
- Last updated
- 25 Jul 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Mani-Babu S, Morrissey D, Waugh C, Screen H, Barton C. The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in lower limb tendinopathy: a systematic review. Am J Sports Med. 2015 Mar;43(3):752-61. doi: 10.1177/0363546514531911. Epub 2014 May 9.
PubMed 24817008Schmitz C, Csaszar NB, Rompe JD, Chaves H, Furia JP. Treatment of chronic plantar fasciopathy with extracorporeal shock waves (review). J Orthop Surg Res. 2013 Sep 3;8:31. doi: 10.1186/1749-799X-8-31.
PubMed 24004715Rompe JD, Hope C, Kullmer K, Heine J, Burger R. Analgesic effect of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy on chronic tennis elbow. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1996 Mar;78(2):233-7.
PubMed 8666632
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Jul 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of the Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Exercise on Pain, Flexibility, and Balance in Individuals With Hamstring Tightness
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07065851
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Bah-YLTez25
- Conditions
- Low Back Pain, Hamstring Tightness
- Keywords
- Low back pain, Hamstring tightness, Flexibility, Balance, Exercise, Shock wave therapy, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Bahçeşehir UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 May 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 20 Aug 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 15 Jul 2025 (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 controlled trial aims to compare the short- and long-term effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and exercise therapy on pain, flexibility, and balance in individuals with low back pain associated with hamstring tightness. Thirty participants will be randomized into two groups (ESWT or exercise) and receive interventions twice weekly for four weeks. Outcomes include pain (a (VAS), flexibility (Popliteal Angle and Fingertip-to-Floor tests), and balance (Y-Balance Test), assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at a four-week follow-up.
Detailed description
This study evaluates the efficacy of ESWT versus exercise therapy in managing low back pain due to hamstring tightness. Participants with diagnosed hamstring tightness and low back pain will be randomly assigned to receive either ESWT or an exercise program, each administered twice weekly for four weeks. The ESWT group will receive standardized shock wave therapy targeting the hamstring muscles and related structures, alongside core exercises. The exercise group will perform a structured program including hamstring stretching and lumbar stabilization exercises, also with core exercises. Assessments will occur at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and four weeks post-treatment. Pain will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), flexibility via Popliteal Angle (PA) and Fingertip-to-Floor (FTF) tests, and balance using the Y-Balance Test (YBT). Data will be analyzed using Statistical analysis will be performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), 26.0, with a significance level of p<0.05. The study hypothesizes that ESWT may provide faster pain relief and balance improvements, while exercise may offer more sustained flexibility gains.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study employs a parallel assignment model with two intervention arms. Thirty participants with low back pain related to hamstring tightness are randomly assigned to two groups (n=15 each): extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) or exercise therapy. Interventions are delivered 1-2 times per week for four weeks. The ESWT group receives standardized shock wave therapy targeting the hamstring muscles. The exercise group follows a structured program including hamstring stretching, lumbar stabilization, and core exercises. Participants remain in their assigned groups throughout the study with no crossover. Outcome measures-pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), hamstring flexibility (Popliteal Angle and Fingertip-to-Floor tests), and dynamic balance (Y-Balance Test)-are assessed at baseline, post-intervention (week 4), and follow-up (week 8). Single blinding is applied for the outcome assessor to minimize bias in measurements.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| ESWT Group | Experimental | Device: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)Participants in this group will receive ESWT two times per week for 4 weeks. The treatment will target hamstring muscles and related structures using a standardized ESWT protocol (fixed frequency, intensity, and session duration). In addition to ESWT, participants will perform core strengthening exercises during each session. |
| Exercise Group | Active comparator | Behavioral: Exercise ProgramParticipants in this group will perform a structured exercise program three times per week for 4 weeks. Each session will last 30-45 minutes and will include hamstring stretching, lumbar stabilization, and core strengthening exercises. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- • Diagnosed with low back pain due to hamstring tightness.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- • Other musculoskeletal conditions causing low back pain (e.g., disc herniation, spinal stenosis).
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)Non-invasive therapy delivering high-energy shock waves to stimulate healing in musculoskeletal tissues, targeting the hamstring muscles and related structures, administered 2 times per week for 4 weeks, alongside core exercises. | Device | ESWT Group |
| Exercise ProgramStructured exercises focusing on hamstring flexibility, lumbar stabilization, and core exercises, administered 3 times per week for 3 weeks, with sessions lasting 30-45 minutes. | Behavioural | Exercise Group |
Primary outcome
Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4 (Post-treatment), Week 8 (Follow-up)
Measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 0-10 scale where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain.
Hamstring Flexibility (Popliteal Angle)
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4 (Post-treatment), Week 8 (Follow-up)
Measured using the Popliteal Angle Test with a goniometer in degrees to assess hamstring muscle flexibility.
Hamstring Flexibility (Fingertip-to-Floor Distance)
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4 (Post-treatment), Week 8 (Follow-up)
Measured in centimeters as the vertical distance between the fingertip and the floor during a forward bend with knees extended.
Dynamic Balance (Y-Balance Test)
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4 (Post-treatment), Week 8 (Follow-up)
Measured in centimeters using the Y-Balance Test in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Jul 2025.
- Results publication: PubMed 24817008Mani-Babu S, Morrissey D, Waugh C, Screen H, Barton C. The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in lower limb tendinopathy: a systematic review. Am J Sports Med. 2015 Mar;43(3):752-61. doi: 10.1177/0363546514531911. Epub 2014 May 9.
- Results publication: PubMed 24004715Schmitz C, Csaszar NB, Rompe JD, Chaves H, Furia JP. Treatment of chronic plantar fasciopathy with extracorporeal shock waves (review). J Orthop Surg Res. 2013 Sep 3;8:31. doi: 10.1186/1749-799X-8-31.
- Results publication: PubMed 8666632Rompe JD, Hope C, Kullmer K, Heine J, Burger R. Analgesic effect of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy on chronic tennis elbow. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1996 Mar;78(2):233-7.
- 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.
Hasankerem Alptekin, Prof.Dr study director
Bahçeşehir 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 Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) and Exercise Program in people with Low Back Pain and Hamstring Tightness, run by Bahçeşehir 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 5 inclusion and 5 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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Jul 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 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
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?
Pain Intensity (time frame: Baseline, Week 4 (Post-treatment), Week 8 (Follow-up)). The study lists 4 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 NCT07065851, which also lists 3 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 25 Jul 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 6 Nov 2026.