Efficiency of Different Gastrocnemius Stretching Exercises

Bitlis Eren University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Muscle Tightness

Treatments: Other: Stretching Exercise

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06371547

BEUFTR-3

Details and patient eligibility

About

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different types and durations of gastrocnemius stretching on the viscoelastic properties of the gastrocnemius muscle, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia.In addition, pain threshold of the gastrocnemius muscle and plantar fascia, as well as on hamstring tightness will be measured.

Full description

The study will include a total of at least 48 individuals who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subsequently, participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups for gastrocnemius stretching exercises of different durations and types. Participants in Group I will perform sustained stretching with a towel, those in Group II will perform intermittent stretching with a towel, those in Group III will perform sustained stretching against the wall, and those in Group IV will perform intermittent stretching against the wall. The stretching exercises will be performed under the supervision of one of the researcher. Compliance with the stretching exercise will be evaluated by keeping a daily log.

Enrollment: 48 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 25 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age of 18 to 25 years
• Having a gastrocnemius muscle tightness in the dominant side

Exclusion criteria

• History of lower extremity surgery or trauma
• Diagnosis of fibromyalgia, neurological disease, achilles tendinopathy, metatarsalgia, acute ankle sprain, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or heel pad syndrome
• Having received physiotherapy related to the lower extremities within the last six months
• A body mass index (BMI) above 30 kg/m2
• Having received a local steroid injection within the last six weeks
• The presence of a local infection
• The presence of rheumatic or other systemic inflammatory diseases
• Diabetes or other metabolic diseases
• Nerve compression syndrome
• Currently using painkillers
• Diagnosis of neurological heel pain
• A positive navicular drop test result
• Having engaged in strenuous exercise within the last 24 hours
• Not being fully compliant with the exercise program

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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48 participants in 4 patient groups

Sustained stretching of the gastrocnemius muscle with a towel

Experimental group

Description:

The participant will place a towel under the plantar surface of the foot and, using both hands, pull the towel towards themselves until they feel a stretch in the calf muscle. Subsequently, they will be asked to maintain this position for 3 minutes. The stretching exercise will be performed in 3 sets per day.

Treatment:

Other: Stretching Exercise

Intermittent stretching of the gastrocnemius muscle with a towel

Experimental group

Description:

In intermittent stretching with a towel, the individual will place a towel under the plantar surface of the foot and, using both hands, pull the towel towards themselves until they feel a stretch in the calf muscle. Subsequently, they will be instructed to maintain this position for 20 seconds. The stretching exercise will be performed in 2 sets per day, with 5 repetitions in each set.

Treatment:

Other: Stretching Exercise

Sustained stretching against the wall

Experimental group

Description:

In sustained stretching against the wall, individuals will be asked to place their hands on the wall at shoulder width apart. One leg will be positioned behind the other. Then, the front knee will be bent while keeping the back knee in extension and the heel in contact with the ground. Individuals will be instructed to bend their knees until they feel a stretch in the calf muscle. Subsequently, they will be asked to maintain this position for 3 minutes. The stretching exercise will be performed in 3 sets per day.

Treatment:

Other: Stretching Exercise

Intermittent stretching against the wall

Experimental group

Description:

During intermittent stretching against the wall, individuals will be instructed to place their hands on the wall at shoulder width apart. One leg will be positioned behind the other. Then, the knee of the front leg will be bent while the knee of the back leg continues to stay in extension, and the heel remains in contact with the ground. Individuals will be asked to bend their knee until they feel a stretch in the calf muscle. Subsequently, they will be instructed to maintain this position for 20 seconds. The stretching exercise will be performed in 2 sets per day, with 5 repetitions in each set.

Treatment:

Other: Stretching Exercise