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NCT Number: NCT07174258

Myofascial Release Wıth Hamstring Shortness

The aim of this study will be to investigate the effects of different myofascial release techniques on flexibility, balance, and performance in individuals with hamstring (HT) muscle shortness. A total of 48 participants with hamstring shortness will be randomly assigned into three groups: Group I (Manual Myofascial Release Group), Group II (Graston Group), and Group III (Home Exercise Group).

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Key information

Conditions

Myofacial Pain Facial Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

The aim of this study will be to investigate the effects of different myofascial release techniques on flexibility, balance, and performance in individuals with hamstring (HT) muscle shortness. A total of 48 participants with hamstring shortness will be randomly assigned into three groups: Group I (Manual Myofascial Release Group), Group II (Graston Group), and Group III (Home Exercise Group). The Graston and manual myofascial release groups will receive interventions twice a week for 4 weeks, totaling 8 sessions, in addition to being provided with a home exercise brochure. The home exercise group will receive only the brochure. All participants will be evaluated in terms of balance, flexibility, and performance both before and after the interventions. Balance will be assessed using the Single Leg Stance Test (SLST) and the Y Balance Test (YBT); flexibility will be assessed using the V Sit and Reach Test; agility and performance will be assessed using the Illinois Agility Test and the T-Drill Test.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Being between 18 and 60 years of age,
  • Visible shortening of the hamstring muscle,
  • Passive straight leg raise (SLR) angle ≤ 70 degrees,
  • No musculoskeletal problems in the lower extremity,
  • First-time applicant for treatment of hamstring tightness, and
  • Volunteering to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

  • Participating in intense physical activity within the last 24 hours
  • Having had previous lower extremity trauma or surgery
  • Having ankle instability
  • Having neurological findings during the DBK test
  • Having used analgesic, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant medications within the last month
  • Having obesity, diabetes, and/or metabolic syndrome
  • Being pregnant

Treatment and study plan

Manual myofascial release group

Other

Manual myofascial release techniques were applied to Group I on the feet, legs, and thighs, twice a week for 4 weeks.

Graston group

Other

Graston was applied to the gastrocnemius and hamstring muscles, and before the application, solid petroleum jelly was applied to the area to lubricate the surface. A stainless steel Graston instrument was used for the application, using a superficial sweep technique at a 30-degree angle for 2 minutes, followed by a deep sweep for 30 seconds.

Home based exercise group

Other

Group III received a home exercise program that included stretching exercises. They were asked to perform the exercises twice a week for four weeks, with 15-20 repetitions, without any intervention from a physiotherapist.

Primary outcomes

  1. V-Sit-Reach Test

    Time frame: at the beginning of the study and 4 weeks after the start

    This test can be easily performed without requiring a flexibility bench. The subject is asked to sit with their heels touching the floor and their toes pointing upward, with a distance of 30 cm between their feet. A straight line is drawn between their heels, which is considered the zero point. The subject reaches forward toward their heels without bending their knees. The best measurement is recorded as + or -.

  2. Single Leg Stance Test

    Time frame: at the beginning of the study and 4 weeks after the start

    It's one of the most frequently used tests by physiotherapists to assess postural stability. During the test, the patient is asked to keep their eyes open and their hands secured at the waist. They are asked to stand on one leg without any support, with the raised leg not touching the ground and avoiding any jumping, hopping, or other similar movements. This test is performed three times on each leg, and the average is calculated.

  3. Y Balance Test

    Time frame: at the beginning of the study and 4 weeks after the start

    The Y-shaped dynamic balance test is both economical and easy to perform compared to other balance tests and is an effective test for determining balance asymmetry. The Y-shaped balance test assesses individuals' dynamic balance in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. Before starting the test, the Y-shaped directions are determined. The average of the three distances is taken, and the ratio of the absolute distance to leg length is recorded.

  4. T Drill Test

    Time frame: at the beginning of the study and 4 weeks after the start

    Four cones are required for the course. Participants begin at cone "A" at the start command. They run straight to cone "B" and touch it with their right hand. They then sidestep to cone "C" and touch it with their left hand. They then sidestep to cone "D" and touch it with their right hand. Finally, they sidestep to cone "B" and touch it with their left hand. They then run back to cone "A" and stop the stopwatch as soon as they reach cone "A." The time is recorded in seconds. They run three times, resting between each repetition, and their best time is recorded.

  5. Illinois Agility Test

    Time frame: at the beginning of the study and 4 weeks after the start

    The Illinois test is administered to measure agility levels by considering individuals' ability to change direction. Before the test, participants are provided with the necessary information, and the course is explained in detail. Before starting the test, participants are given the opportunity to complete 3-4 trials at a slow pace. The test course is 5 meters wide and 10 meters long, with cones arranged 3.3 meters apart in the center.

    This test consists of a 40-meter straight run and a 20-meter slalom run between cones, with 180-degree turns every 10 meters. After a full rest, the test is administered twice, and the best result is recorded in seconds.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

AYÇA NUR KILINÇ, Msc

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905549904004

Merve Yılmaz Menek, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905399874499

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Medipol University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Different Myofascial Release Techniques on Flexibility, Balance, and Performance In Individuals With Hamstring Shortness

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Sep 15, 2025
Registry last updated
Sep 22, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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