Hamstring Muscle TightnessNCT07091383

The Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Sedentary Individuals With Hamstring Tightness

A study testing Exercise in people with Hamstring Muscle Tightness and Muscle Strength, run by Cyprus International University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record

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Trial summary

Who is it for?: Ages 18 to 45 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for: Hamstring Muscle Tightness, Muscle Strength, Pain Threshold
What is being tested?: Exercise
Could I receive a placebo?: No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people: 51 participants
Where: 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates: 11 Apr 2022to 3 Aug 2022
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 45 years
All sexes
Healthy volunteers accepted
Adult

Who may be able to join

Sedentary individuals aged 18 to 45
Who worked at a desk for extended periods
Who exhibited hamstring muscle tightness of more than 10 degrees

Who cannot join

Diagnosed orthopaedic or neurological disorder
a history of lower limb surgery
The presence of scoliosis
Tightness in the gastrocnemius muscle
Participants who did not consistently attend the intervention programme (i.e., those who missed two or more sessions out of the 12 sessions)

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site

Cyprus International University
Mersin, Lefkosa, 99040

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: The Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Pain, Skinfold Thickness, Shortness, and Functional Muscle Strength in Sedentary Individuals With Hamstring Tightness

The aim of this study will be to investigate and compare the effects of static stretching exercise, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), and functional IASTM techniques on hamstring muscle shortness, pain threshold, skinfold thickness, and functional muscle strength in sedentary individuals. Fifty-one sedentary individuals between the ages of 18 and 45 who meet the inclusion criteria of Cyprus International University will be included in the study. The first group will receive static stretching exercises two days a week for four weeks; the second group will receive the IASTM technique two days a week for four weeks; and the third group will receive the functional IASTM technique, which will be applied with passive movements two days a week for four weeks. Hamstring shortness, pain threshold, skinfold thickness, and functional muscle strength will be evaluated before the treatment (BT), immediately after the treatment (AT1), two weeks after the treatment (AT2), and four weeks after the treatment (AT4).

Conditions: Hamstring Muscle Tightness, Muscle Strength, Pain Threshold
Being tested: Exercise

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

ExerciseOther
Also called Stretching
Static stretching
ExerciseOther
Also called Soft Tissue mobilization
Soft Tissue Mobilization
ExerciseOther
Also called Functional Soft Tissue Mobilization
Functional soft tissue mobilization

Study groups in NCT07091383
Study group	Role	What they receive
Static Stretching Group	Active comparator	Participants will lie supine on a treatment table, with the non-test leg stabilized using a strap. Using a belt looped around the foot, the participant's ankle will be held in dorsiflexion, and passive hip flexion will be performed without knee flexion, stretching the hamstring to its maximal tension. The stretch will be held for 15 seconds and then relaxed. This cycle will be repeated 10 times per session. Receives: Other: Exercise
IASTM Group	Experimental	Participants will lie prone on the treatment table with their feet hanging off the edge. While the therapist holds the Graston tool in the right hand, passive knee flexion and extension movements will be performed with the left hand. After non-allergenic jelly is applied, the GT5 will be used to perform the sweep technique at a 30° angle along the hamstring for 10 repetitions, with one knee flexion during each sweep. The fan technique will then be applied in a similar manner, with knee flexion at each proximal movement. Subsequently, the GT4 will be used at a 60° angle for 10 repetitions of each sweep and fan technique, incorporating knee flexion with each proximal pass. Finally, the GT3 will be used to perform the brush technique at a 60° angle for 10 repetitions with knee flexion. Receives: Other: Exercise
Functional IASTM Group	Experimental	Participants will lie prone on the treatment table with their feet hanging off the edge. While the therapist holds the Graston tool in the right hand, passive knee flexion and extension movements will be performed with the left hand. After non-allergenic jelly is applied, the GT5 will be used to perform the sweep technique at a 30° angle along the hamstring for 10 repetitions, with one knee flexion during each sweep. The fan technique will then be applied in a similar manner, with knee flexion at each proximal movement. Subsequently, the GT4 will be used at a 60° angle for 10 repetitions of each sweep and fan technique, incorporating knee flexion with each proximal pass. Finally, the GT3 will be used to perform the brush technique at a 60° angle for 10 repetitions with knee flexion. Receives: Other: Exercise

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

Hamstring Muscle Tightness
Hamstring tightness will be assessed using the PostureScreen Mobile application, a validated tool for photographic posture and joint angle analysis. Participants will lie supine on a treatment table with the non-test leg stabilized using a strap. The test leg will be positioned with both the hip and knee at 90° flexion, adjusted with a stool and pillow as needed. The anatomical landmarks-the greater trochanter, lateral femoral condyle, and lateral malleolus-will be marked on the test leg. While the participant wears minimal clothing, a lateral photograph will be taken from 1.5 metres using a tripod-mounted smartphone. Participants will be instructed to extend their knee as much as possible with their ankle dorsiflexed. The application will calculate the knee extension angle from the marked points, and the range of motion will be recorded in degrees. The test will be repeated if compensatory movements are observed.
Measured: 4 weeks
Hamstring Skinfold Thickness
The site will be marked at the midpoint of the posterior thigh, halfway between the ischial tuberosity and the popliteal region. The skinfold will be grasped 1 cm from the marked point using the thumb and index finger, maintaining consistent pressure throughout the measurement. Skinfold thickness will be measured with a skinfold calliper (Holtain Ltd, Crymych, UK). The reading will be taken 3-4 seconds after applying the calliper and then recorded. At least two measurements will be taken with a one-minute interval between them. Results will be recorded in millimetres (mm).
Measured: 4 weeks

Secondary outcomes (2)

Pain Threshold
A pressure algometer will be used to assess the sensitivity of the area where pain is felt and to obtain a quantitative measure of pressure perception. In the assessment, a digital algometer (Algometer Commander, Jtech Medical, 801-478, USA) will be used. For the measurement, the participant will be positioned in the prone position. The motor point on the participant's hamstring muscle will be marked with a pen. The calibrated algometer, with a probe tip of 1 cm² diameter, will be placed perpendicularly on the marked point of the hamstring muscle. The physiotherapist will gradually apply pressure, and pressure will be increased until the participant perceives pain. Upon the participant's signal indicating pain, the pressure will be stopped and the probe will be removed. This test will be repeated three times, and the average value will be recorded.
Measured: 4 weeks
Functional Muscle Strength
The "Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test" will be used to assess functional muscle strength. This test will evaluate the functional strength of the lower extremity, transitional movements, balance, and risk of falling. Participants will be asked to sit on a chair with a straight back and a seat height of 43-45 cm from the ground. They will be instructed to cross their arms over their chest, placing their hands on the opposite shoulders, and to stand up and sit down five times as quickly as possible without pausing. The test will begin with the participant standing, feet shoulder-width apart, and the trunk upright. Each complete sit-to-stand movement will be counted as one repetition. The time taken to complete five repetitions will be measured with a stopwatch and recorded in seconds. The stopwatch will be stopped when the participant stands up for the fifth time, and the result will be documented.
Measured: 4 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

11 Apr 20223 Aug 2022

First posted29 Jul 2025
Study start11 Apr 2022
Primary completion2 Jul 2022
Study completion3 Aug 2022

Resources

Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
Publications (7)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
Other trials for Hamstring Muscle 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
Model description: It is a randomized controlled study.
Masking: Double blind
Who is masked: Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment: 51 participants (actual)

IDs, dates and publications

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07091383
Sponsor's protocol ID: -020-5432
Status last verified: Jul 2025
First submitted: 22 Jul 2025
Last updated: 29 Jul 2025
Results posted: No
Data monitoring committee: No
FDA-regulated drug: No
FDA-regulated device: No
Individual data sharing: Undecided

Publications

Gallon D, Rodacki AL, Hernandez SG, Drabovski B, Outi T, Bittencourt LR, Gomes AR. The effects of stretching on the flexibility, muscle performance and functionality of institutionalized older women. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2011 Mar;44(3):229-35. doi: 10.1590/s0100-879x2011007500012. Epub 2011 Jan 26.
PubMed 21399855
Kim J, Sung DJ, Lee J. Therapeutic effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for soft tissue injury: mechanisms and practical application. J Exerc Rehabil. 2017 Feb 28;13(1):12-22. doi: 10.12965/jer.1732824.412. eCollection 2017 Feb.
PubMed 28349028
Markovic G. Acute effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization vs. foam rolling on knee and hip range of motion in soccer players. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2015 Oct;19(4):690-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.04.010. Epub 2015 May 5.
PubMed 26592226
Lee JH, Lee DK, Oh JS. The effect of Graston technique on the pain and range of motion in patients with chronic low back pain. J Phys Ther Sci. 2016 Jun;28(6):1852-5. doi: 10.1589/jpts.28.1852. Epub 2016 Jun 28.
PubMed 27390432
Stutchfield BM, Coleman S. The relationships between hamstring flexibility, lumbar flexion, and low back pain in rowers. European Journal of Sport Science. 2006;6(4):255-260.
Fatima G, Qamar MM, Hassan JU, Basharat A. Extended sitting can cause hamstring tightness. Saudi Journal of Sports Medicine. 2017;17(2):110-114.
Afonso J, Rocha-Rodrigues S, Clemente FM, Aquino M, Nikolaidis PT, Sarmento H, Filter A, Olivares-Jabalera J, Ramirez-Campillo R. The Hamstrings: Anatomic and Physiologic Variations and Their Potential Relationships With Injury Risk. Front Physiol. 2021 Jul 7;12:694604. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.694604. eCollection 2021.
PubMed 34305648

Want to know more?

The sponsor has not listed a contact. The official record may have more details.

Talk to your doctor first and take this page with you. Only the study team can confirm whether you can join.

Questions to ask the study team

What is the study trying to find out?
What would I need to do, and how often would I visit?
Could I receive a placebo instead of the treatment?
What are the possible risks and benefits for me?
Will it cost me anything? Are travel or time paid for?
Can I keep seeing my own doctor during the study?
What happens when the study ends?

See locations

Recruiting
IASTM vs. Static Stretching for Hamstring Tightness: Short- and Long-Term Effects
Hamstring Tightness
Active, not recruiting
Hamstring Tissue Flossing vs Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition in Football Players
Short Hamstring Syndrome
Recruiting
Effects of Post-Isometric Relaxation and Myofascial Release on Low Back Pain With Lower Cross Syndrome
Low Back Pain, Mechanical, Lower Cross Syndrome
Recruiting
Acute Effects of Neurodynamics on Strength and Endurance in Athletes
Sciatic Leg Pain, Hamstring Muscle Tightness
Recruiting
Post Facilitatiion Stretch and Dry Needling on Hamstring Tightness in Chronic Low Back Pain
Low Back Pain

All Hamstring Muscle Tightness trials

Study at a glance

From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Jul 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.

Official title: The Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Pain, Skinfold Thickness, Shortness, and Functional Muscle Strength in Sedentary Individuals With Hamstring Tightness
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07091383
Acronym / sponsor ID: -020-5432
Conditions: Hamstring Muscle Tightness, Muscle Strength, Pain Threshold
Study type: Interventional
Recruitment status: Completed
Enrolment: 51 participants (actual)
Lead sponsor: Cyprus International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
Study start: 11 Apr 2022 (actual)
Primary completion: 2 Jul 2022 (actual)
Study completion: 3 Aug 2022 (actual)
First posted: 29 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.

Study design

Primary purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomised
Intervention model: Parallel groups
Masking: Double blind (investigator, outcomes assessor)
Number of arms: 3
Model description: It is a randomized controlled study.

Arm	Type	Receives
Static Stretching Group	Active comparator	Other: ExerciseParticipants will lie supine on a treatment table, with the non-test leg stabilized using a strap. Using a belt looped around the foot, the participant's ankle will be held in dorsiflexion, and passive hip flexion will be performed without knee flexion, stretching the hamstring to its maximal tension. The stretch will be held for 15 seconds and then relaxed. This cycle will be repeated 10 times per session.
IASTM Group	Experimental	Other: ExerciseParticipants will lie prone on the treatment table with their feet hanging off the edge. While the therapist holds the Graston tool in the right hand, passive knee flexion and extension movements will be performed with the left hand. After non-allergenic jelly is applied, the GT5 will be used to perform the sweep technique at a 30° angle along the hamstring for 10 repetitions, with one knee flexion during each sweep. The fan technique will then be applied in a similar manner, with knee flexion at each proximal movement. Subsequently, the GT4 will be used at a 60° angle for 10 repetitions of each sweep and fan technique, incorporating knee flexion with each proximal pass. Finally, the GT3 will be used to perform the brush technique at a 60° angle for 10 repetitions with knee flexion.
Functional IASTM Group	Experimental	Other: ExerciseParticipants will lie prone on the treatment table with their feet hanging off the edge. While the therapist holds the Graston tool in the right hand, passive knee flexion and extension movements will be performed with the left hand. After non-allergenic jelly is applied, the GT5 will be used to perform the sweep technique at a 30° angle along the hamstring for 10 repetitions, with one knee flexion during each sweep. The fan technique will then be applied in a similar manner, with knee flexion at each proximal movement. Subsequently, the GT4 will be used at a 60° angle for 10 repetitions of each sweep and fan technique, incorporating knee flexion with each proximal pass. Finally, the GT3 will be used to perform the brush technique at a 60° angle for 10 repetitions with knee flexion.

Who may qualify

Ages: 18 to 45 years
Sex: All
Healthy volunteers: Accepted
Age groups: Adult

Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)

Sedentary individuals aged 18 to 45
Who worked at a desk for extended periods
Who exhibited hamstring muscle tightness of more than 10 degrees

Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)

Diagnosed orthopaedic or neurological disorder
a history of lower limb surgery
The presence of scoliosis
Tightness in the gastrocnemius muscle
Participants who did not consistently attend the intervention programme (i.e., those who missed two or more sessions out of the 12 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
ExerciseAlso: StretchingStatic stretching	Other	Static Stretching Group
ExerciseAlso: Soft Tissue mobilizationSoft Tissue Mobilization	Other	IASTM Group
ExerciseAlso: Functional Soft Tissue MobilizationFunctional soft tissue mobilization	Other	Functional IASTM Group

Primary outcome

Hamstring Muscle Tightness
Time frame: 4 weeks
Hamstring tightness will be assessed using the PostureScreen Mobile application, a validated tool for photographic posture and joint angle analysis. Participants will lie supine on a treatment table with the non-test leg stabilized using a strap. The test leg will be positioned with both the hip and knee at 90° flexion, adjusted with a stool and pillow as needed. The anatomical landmarks-the greater trochanter, lateral femoral condyle, and lateral malleolus-will be marked on the test leg. While the participant wears minimal clothing, a lateral photograph will be taken from 1.5 metres using a tripod-mounted smartphone. Participants will be instructed to extend their knee as much as possible with their ankle dorsiflexed. The application will calculate the knee extension angle from the marked points, and the range of motion will be recorded in degrees. The test will be repeated if compensatory movements are observed.
Hamstring Skinfold Thickness
Time frame: 4 weeks
The site will be marked at the midpoint of the posterior thigh, halfway between the ischial tuberosity and the popliteal region. The skinfold will be grasped 1 cm from the marked point using the thumb and index finger, maintaining consistent pressure throughout the measurement. Skinfold thickness will be measured with a skinfold calliper (Holtain Ltd, Crymych, UK). The reading will be taken 3-4 seconds after applying the calliper and then recorded. At least two measurements will be taken with a one-minute interval between them. Results will be recorded in millimetres (mm).

2 secondary outcomes

Pain Threshold
Time frame: 4 weeks
Functional Muscle Strength
Time frame: 4 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 29 Jul 2025.
Results publication: PubMed 21399855Gallon D, Rodacki AL, Hernandez SG, Drabovski B, Outi T, Bittencourt LR, Gomes AR. The effects of stretching on the flexibility, muscle performance and functionality of institutionalized older women. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2011 Mar;44(3):229-35. doi: 10.1590/s0100-879x2011007500012. Epub 2011 Jan 26.
Results publication: PubMed 28349028Kim J, Sung DJ, Lee J. Therapeutic effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for soft tissue injury: mechanisms and practical application. J Exerc Rehabil. 2017 Feb 28;13(1):12-22. doi: 10.12965/jer.1732824.412. eCollection 2017 Feb.
Results publication: PubMed 26592226Markovic G. Acute effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization vs. foam rolling on knee and hip range of motion in soccer players. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2015 Oct;19(4):690-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.04.010. Epub 2015 May 5.
Results publication: PubMed 27390432Lee JH, Lee DK, Oh JS. The effect of Graston technique on the pain and range of motion in patients with chronic low back pain. J Phys Ther Sci. 2016 Jun;28(6):1852-5. doi: 10.1589/jpts.28.1852. Epub 2016 Jun 28.
Results publicationStutchfield BM, Coleman S. The relationships between hamstring flexibility, lumbar flexion, and low back pain in rowers. European Journal of Sport Science. 2006;6(4):255-260.
Results publicationFatima G, Qamar MM, Hassan JU, Basharat A. Extended sitting can cause hamstring tightness. Saudi Journal of Sports Medicine. 2017;17(2):110-114.
Results publication: PubMed 34305648Afonso J, Rocha-Rodrigues S, Clemente FM, Aquino M, Nikolaidis PT, Sarmento H, Filter A, Olivares-Jabalera J, Ramirez-Campillo R. The Hamstrings: Anatomic and Physiologic Variations and Their Potential Relationships With Injury Risk. Front Physiol. 2021 Jul 7;12:694604. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.694604. eCollection 2021.
Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided

Related trials for Hamstring Muscle Tightness

Recruiting
IASTM vs. Static Stretching for Hamstring Tightness: Short- and Long-Term Effects
Hamstring Tightness
Active, not recruiting
Hamstring Tissue Flossing vs Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition in Football Players
Short Hamstring Syndrome
Recruiting
Effects of Post-Isometric Relaxation and Myofascial Release on Low Back Pain With Lower Cross Syndrome
Low Back Pain, Mechanical, Lower Cross Syndrome
Recruiting
Acute Effects of Neurodynamics on Strength and Endurance in Athletes
Sciatic Leg Pain, Hamstring Muscle Tightness
Recruiting
Post Facilitatiion Stretch and Dry Needling on Hamstring Tightness in Chronic Low Back Pain
Low Back Pain

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.

The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.

1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Exercise in people with Hamstring Muscle Tightness and Muscle Strength, run by Cyprus International 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 3 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 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?

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 Muscle Tightness (time frame: 4 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 NCT07091383, which also lists 7 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 29 Jul 2025.