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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05785416

Stretching Techniques of Knee Muscles and Their Effect on Joint Range, Suppleness and Muscle Activity in Elderly

The goal of this clinical trial was to compare the effect of two different types of stretching techniques in elderly population. The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. What is the immediate effect (after a single intervention) of these stretching techniques on muscle flexibility, amount of knee joint motion and muscle activity? 2. What is the effect of a four week intervention program of these stretching techniques on muscle flexibility, amount of knee joint motion and muscle activity? There were three groups with ten randomly allocated participants in each group. Intervention group I was given a stretching technique called contract-relax technique and the Intervention group II was given static stretching. The third group was not given any treatment and was taken as a control. The main aim was to find out that whether the two techniques are effective or not and which one of the two is better than the other in terms of improvement in the above mentioned parameters.

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Key information

Conditions

Muscle Tightness Muscle Weakness Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Manifestations Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

55 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Out Patient Department, Centre for Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia

New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi, 110025, India

About this study

The objective of the study was to compare the effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation - Contract Relax (PNF- CR) and static stretch techniques immediately and post four weeks of intervention on knee range of motion, flexibility and electromyographic activity of knee muscles among older adults. This is an outcome assessor-blinded pre-test post-test randomized controlled trial with two experimental groups (PNF-CR and Static Stretching) and a control group. 30 males aged 55-75 years were randomly assigned into PNF group (n=10), Static Stretch group (n=10) and Control group (n=10). Knee range of motion, electromyographic activity of hamstrings and sit and reach test, were taken for the dominant side thrice: pre-intervention, immediately after stretching and after the training period. Active knee range of motion (ROM) was assessed using a universal goniometer. Surface Electromyography (EMG) was used to record Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of biceps femoris and the Chair Sit-and-Reach Test (CART) was used to assess the hamstring muscle's length flexibility.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Male adults aged between 55 and 75 years
  • Able to do activities of daily living (ADL) without assistance
  • Able to comprehend and follow instructions

Exclusion criteria

  • Grade III or IV osteoarthritis or any other musculoskeletal condition affecting the muscle length.
  • History of any surgery to hip, knee, low back or ankle
  • History of any medication (anti-inflammatory, for pain relief, or anti-arthritic) in previous six months
  • History of life-threatening disease (neurological disease, cardiovascular disease, severe hypertension)
  • Passive full knee extension (popliteal angle 180 degrees)

Treatment and study plan

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Stretching - Contract Relax stretching (PNF-CR)

Other

PNF-CR utilized the concept of autogenic inhibition of the muscle for improving the flexibility of the muscle. It includes stretching a muscle after a brief period of activation.

Static Stretching (SS)

Other

The SS technique utilized the concept of creep for improving the hamstring flexibility. The stretch was maintained for a prolonged period passively by the therapist.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Active Knee Range of Motion

    Time frame: Baseline, After 1st intervention (immediate), 4 weeks after intervention

    The active extension knee range of motion was measured using a universal goniometer.

  2. Change in Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC)

    Time frame: Baseline, After 1st intervention (immediate), 4 weeks after intervention

    The Electromyographic activity of the biceps femoris muscle was evaluated using the surface electrodes during the maximal isometric contraction.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Hamstring flexibility

    Time frame: Baseline, After 1st intervention (immediate), 4 weeks after intervention

    The hamstring flexibility was measured using the Chair Sit and Reach Test (CART)

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Deepak Malhotra

Other

Collaborators

  • Jamia Millia Islamia

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Joint Range of Motion, Flexibility and Electromyographic Activity of Knee Muscles in Older Adults

Important dates

Study start
2018
Primary completion
2018
Study completion
2019
First posted
Mar 27, 2023
Registry last updated
Mar 27, 2023

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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