Low Back PainNCT07627581
Foam Roller Versus Self-Performed Neurodynamic Sliding in People With Hamstring Tightness and Low Back Pain History
A study testing Self-Myofascial Release Using a Foam Roller and Self-Administered Neurodynamic Sliding Technique in people with Low Back Pain and Hamstring Tightness, run by Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca at 1 site in Spain.
Trial summary
This randomized crossover pilot clinical trial evaluated the effects of two self-administered physiotherapy techniques in people with hamstring tightness and a history of non-specific low back pain. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two treatment sequences. 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?
- Self-Myofascial Release Using a Foam Roller and Self-Administered Neurodynamic Sliding Technique
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSpain
- Study dates
- 2 Jun 2026to 10 Sep 2026
- 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 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Men and women aged 16 years or older.
- History of non-specific low back pain during the previous three months and/or recurrent or chronic non-specific low back pain.
- Limited hamstring flexibility, defined as hamstring tightness with 75 degrees or less of hip flexion with knee extension during the Straight Leg Raise test.
- No previous surgery involving the spine or lower limb.
- No hamstring stretching exercises performed in the weeks prior to participation.
- Ability and willingness to provide informed consent.
- Availability to perform both self-administered physiotherapy techniques according to the study protocol.
Who cannot join
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- History of hamstring muscle or tendon injury during the previous year.
- Lumbar or lower-limb neurological deficits.
- Lower-limb length discrepancy.
- Specific spinal pathology, including tumor, infection, fracture, or inflammatory disease.
- History of lumbar disc herniation.
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- History of whiplash injury.
- Any contraindication to physical exercise.
- Menstrual pain at the time of assessment or intervention.
- Scheduled surgery during the intervention or follow-up period.
- History of cardiac disease.
- Incomplete or incorrectly completed questionnaires or missing assessment data.
- Refusal to complete part or all of the study intervention.
- Development of a low back pain episode during the study intervention.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Spain1 site
Clínica Universitaria Salus Infirmorum, Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca
Madrid, Madrid, 28015
About this study
Official title: Effects of Self-Myofascial Release With Foam Roller Versus Self-Performed Neurodynamic Sliding on Hamstring Flexibility in People With Hamstring Tightness and a History of Low Back Pain: A Randomized Pilot Clinical Trial
This randomized crossover pilot clinical trial evaluated the effects of two self-administered physiotherapy techniques in people with hamstring tightness and a history of non-specific low back pain.
Participants were randomly assigned to one of two treatment sequences. One sequence performed self-myofascial release using a foam roller first, followed by a one-month washout period, and then performed a self-administered neurodynamic sliding technique. The other sequence performed the neurodynamic sliding technique first, followed by a one-month washout period, and then performed the foam roller intervention.
The main objective of the study was to compare the effects of both interventions on hamstring flexibility. Secondary outcomes included active knee extension range of motion, dynamic balance, pressure pain threshold, hamstring and gluteus maximus strength, and low back pain intensity.
Read the detailed description
Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal condition, and hamstring tightness has been proposed as a potential contributing factor due to its influence on pelvic and lumbar biomechanics. Different physiotherapy interventions may be used to improve hamstring flexibility, including self-myofascial release with a foam roller and neurodynamic sliding techniques.
This study was designed as a randomized, crossover, pilot clinical trial with two active interventions. Participants were people with hamstring tightness and a history of recurrent or chronic non-specific low back pain. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to one of two intervention sequences.
In one sequence, participants first performed self-myofascial release using a foam roller on the hamstring muscles. After a one-month washout period, they then performed the self-administered neurodynamic sliding technique. In the other sequence, participants first performed the self-administered neurodynamic sliding technique. After a one-month washout period, they then performed the self-myofascial release intervention using a foam roller.
The foam roller intervention consisted of bilateral self-myofascial release of the hamstring muscles for 2 minutes per leg over three consecutive days. The neurodynamic sliding intervention consisted of a seated self-administered neurodynamic sliding technique over three consecutive days, with 3 sets of 20 repetitions and 20 seconds of rest between sets.
Assessments were performed before and after each intervention period. The primary outcome was hamstring flexibility measured using the Straight Leg Raising test. Secondary outcomes included hamstring flexibility measured using the Active Knee Extension test, dynamic balance assessed with the Y-Balance Test, pressure pain threshold over myofascial trigger points, isometric strength of the hamstrings and gluteus maximus, and low back pain intensity measured with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale.
- Conditions
- Low Back Pain, Hamstring Tightness
- Being tested
- Self-Myofascial Release Using a Foam Roller, Self-Administered Neurodynamic Sliding Technique
- Keywords
- foam roller, Self-myofascial release, Neurodynamic sliding, Hamstring flexibility, Low back pain, Crossover trial
- Medical subject headings
- Low Back Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Self-Myofascial Release Using a Foam RollerOther
Participants will perform bilateral self-myofascial release of the hamstring muscles using a foam roller. The technique will be performed for 2 minutes per leg over three consecutive days.
Self-Administered Neurodynamic Sliding TechniqueOther
Participants will perform a seated self-administered neurodynamic sliding technique over three consecutive days. The intervention will consist of 3 sets of 20 repetitions, with 20 seconds of rest between sets.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Foam Roller First, Then Neurodynamic Sliding | Experimental | Participants assigned to this sequence will first perform self-myofascial release using a foam roller on the hamstring muscles. After a one-month washout period, they will perform the self-administered neurodynamic sliding technique. Receives: Other: Self-Myofascial Release Using a Foam Roller; Other: Self-Administered Neurodynamic Sliding Technique |
| Neurodynamic Sliding First, Then Foam Roller | Experimental | Participants assigned to this sequence will first perform the self-administered neurodynamic sliding technique. After a one-month washout period, they will perform self-myofascial release using a foam roller on the hamstring muscles. Receives: Other: Self-Myofascial Release Using a Foam Roller; Other: Self-Administered Neurodynamic Sliding Technique |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Hamstring Flexibility Measured With the Straight Leg Raise Test
Hamstring flexibility will be assessed using the Straight Leg Raise test. The test will be performed with the participant in the supine position, and hip flexion range of motion will be measured in degrees using a goniometer. Higher values indicate greater hamstring flexibility.
Measured: Baseline of each intervention period, 24 hours after completing each intervention, and 7 days after each intervention
Secondary outcomes (4)
Change in Hamstring Flexibility Measured With the Active Knee Extension Test
Hamstring flexibility will be assessed using the Active Knee Extension test. The knee extension angle will be measured in degrees using a goniometer, with the hip positioned at 90 degrees of flexion.
Measured: Baseline of each intervention period, 24 hours after completing each intervention, and 7 days after each intervention
Change in Dynamic Balance Measured With the Y-Balance Test
Dynamic balance will be assessed using the Y-Balance Test. Reach distances in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions will be recorded in centimeters and normalized to lower limb length.
Measured: Baseline of each intervention period, 24 hours after completing each intervention, and 7 days after each intervention
Change in Pressure Pain Threshold
Isometric strength of the hamstring muscles and gluteus maximus will be assessed using a handheld dynamometer. Values will be recorded in Newtons, with higher values indicating greater muscle strength.
Measured: Baseline of each intervention period, 24 hours after completing each intervention, and 7 days after each intervention
Change in Low Back Pain Intensity
Low back pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain.
Measured: Baseline of each intervention period, 24 hours after completing each intervention, and 7 days after each intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 Jun 2026
- Study start2 Jun 2026
- Primary completion12 Jul 2026
- Study completion10 Sep 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- 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
- Crossover
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention sequences. In one sequence, participants will first perform self-myofascial release using a foam roller, followed by a one-month washout period, and then perform the self-administered neurodynamic sliding technique. In the other sequence, participants will first perform the self-administered neurodynamic sliding technique, followed by a one-month washout period, and then perform self-myofascial release using a foam roller.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Sara Perpiñá, Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca
- Investigators
- Sara Perpiña Martínez, PT, PhD, Principal investigator, Pontifical University of Salamanca
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07627581
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UPSA_HAM_LBP
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 30 May 2026
- Last updated
- 29 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared because the study dataset contains health-related information collected in a small pilot trial. Data will be pseudonymized and stored according to applicable data protection regulations, but no formal data sharing plan has been established.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Self-Myofascial Release With Foam Roller Versus Self-Performed Neurodynamic Sliding on Hamstring Flexibility in People With Hamstring Tightness and a History of Low Back Pain: A Randomized Pilot Clinical Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07627581
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UPSA_HAM_LBP
- Conditions
- Low Back Pain, Hamstring Tightness
- Keywords
- foam roller, Self-myofascial release, Neurodynamic sliding, Hamstring flexibility, Low back pain, Crossover trial
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Universidad Pontificia de SalamancaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 2 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 12 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Sep 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 4 Jun 2026 (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 crossover pilot clinical trial evaluated the effects of two self-administered physiotherapy techniques in people with hamstring tightness and a history of non-specific low back pain.
Participants were randomly assigned to one of two treatment sequences. One sequence performed self-myofascial release using a foam roller first, followed by a one-month washout period, and then performed a self-administered neurodynamic sliding technique. The other sequence performed the neurodynamic sliding technique first, followed by a one-month washout period, and then performed the foam roller intervention.
The main objective of the study was to compare the effects of both interventions on hamstring flexibility. Secondary outcomes included active knee extension range of motion, dynamic balance, pressure pain threshold, hamstring and gluteus maximus strength, and low back pain intensity.
Detailed description
Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal condition, and hamstring tightness has been proposed as a potential contributing factor due to its influence on pelvic and lumbar biomechanics. Different physiotherapy interventions may be used to improve hamstring flexibility, including self-myofascial release with a foam roller and neurodynamic sliding techniques.
This study was designed as a randomized, crossover, pilot clinical trial with two active interventions. Participants were people with hamstring tightness and a history of recurrent or chronic non-specific low back pain. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to one of two intervention sequences.
In one sequence, participants first performed self-myofascial release using a foam roller on the hamstring muscles. After a one-month washout period, they then performed the self-administered neurodynamic sliding technique. In the other sequence, participants first performed the self-administered neurodynamic sliding technique. After a one-month washout period, they then performed the self-myofascial release intervention using a foam roller.
The foam roller intervention consisted of bilateral self-myofascial release of the hamstring muscles for 2 minutes per leg over three consecutive days. The neurodynamic sliding intervention consisted of a seated self-administered neurodynamic sliding technique over three consecutive days, with 3 sets of 20 repetitions and 20 seconds of rest between sets.
Assessments were performed before and after each intervention period. The primary outcome was hamstring flexibility measured using the Straight Leg Raising test. Secondary outcomes included hamstring flexibility measured using the Active Knee Extension test, dynamic balance assessed with the Y-Balance Test, pressure pain threshold over myofascial trigger points, isometric strength of the hamstrings and gluteus maximus, and low back pain intensity measured with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention sequences. In one sequence, participants will first perform self-myofascial release using a foam roller, followed by a one-month washout period, and then perform the self-administered neurodynamic sliding technique. In the other sequence, participants will first perform the self-administered neurodynamic sliding technique, followed by a one-month washout period, and then perform self-myofascial release using a foam roller.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Foam Roller First, Then Neurodynamic Sliding | Experimental | Other: Self-Myofascial Release Using a Foam Roller, Other: Self-Administered Neurodynamic Sliding TechniqueParticipants assigned to this sequence will first perform self-myofascial release using a foam roller on the hamstring muscles. After a one-month washout period, they will perform the self-administered neurodynamic sliding technique. |
| Neurodynamic Sliding First, Then Foam Roller | Experimental | Other: Self-Myofascial Release Using a Foam Roller, Other: Self-Administered Neurodynamic Sliding TechniqueParticipants assigned to this sequence will first perform the self-administered neurodynamic sliding technique. After a one-month washout period, they will perform self-myofascial release using a foam roller on the hamstring muscles. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Men and women aged 16 years or older.
- History of non-specific low back pain during the previous three months and/or recurrent or chronic non-specific low back pain.
- Limited hamstring flexibility, defined as hamstring tightness with 75 degrees or less of hip flexion with knee extension during the Straight Leg Raise test.
- No previous surgery involving the spine or lower limb.
- No hamstring stretching exercises performed in the weeks prior to participation.
Key exclusion criteria (14 listed)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- History of hamstring muscle or tendon injury during the previous year.
- Lumbar or lower-limb neurological deficits.
- Lower-limb length discrepancy.
- Specific spinal pathology, including tumor, infection, fracture, or inflammatory disease.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Myofascial Release Using a Foam RollerParticipants will perform bilateral self-myofascial release of the hamstring muscles using a foam roller. The technique will be performed for 2 minutes per leg over three consecutive days. | Other | Foam Roller First, Then Neurodynamic Sliding, Neurodynamic Sliding First, Then Foam Roller |
| Self-Administered Neurodynamic Sliding TechniqueParticipants will perform a seated self-administered neurodynamic sliding technique over three consecutive days. The intervention will consist of 3 sets of 20 repetitions, with 20 seconds of rest between sets. | Other | Foam Roller First, Then Neurodynamic Sliding, Neurodynamic Sliding First, Then Foam Roller |
Primary outcome
Change in Hamstring Flexibility Measured With the Straight Leg Raise Test
Time frame: Baseline of each intervention period, 24 hours after completing each intervention, and 7 days after each intervention
Hamstring flexibility will be assessed using the Straight Leg Raise test. The test will be performed with the participant in the supine position, and hip flexion range of motion will be measured in degrees using a goniometer. Higher values indicate greater hamstring flexibility.
4 secondary outcomes
Change in Hamstring Flexibility Measured With the Active Knee Extension Test
Time frame: Baseline of each intervention period, 24 hours after completing each intervention, and 7 days after each intervention
Change in Dynamic Balance Measured With the Y-Balance Test
Time frame: Baseline of each intervention period, 24 hours after completing each intervention, and 7 days after each intervention
Change in Pressure Pain Threshold
Time frame: Baseline of each intervention period, 24 hours after completing each intervention, and 7 days after each intervention
Change in Low Back Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline of each intervention period, 24 hours after completing each intervention, and 7 days after each 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 29 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared because the study dataset contains health-related information collected in a small pilot trial. Data will be pseudonymized and stored according to applicable data protection regulations, but no formal data sharing plan has been established.
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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.
Sara Perpiña Martínez, PT, PhD principal investigator
Pontifical University of Salamanca
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Self-Myofascial Release Using a Foam Roller and Self-Administered Neurodynamic Sliding Technique in people with Low Back Pain and Hamstring Tightness, run by Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca 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 7 inclusion and 14 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 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 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?
Change in Hamstring Flexibility Measured With the Straight Leg Raise Test (time frame: Baseline of each intervention period, 24 hours after completing each intervention, and 7 days after each 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 29 Sep 2026.