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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06808919

The Effect of Different Exercise Approaches on Passive Mechanical Properties of Hamstring and Quadriceps Muscles, Strength and Jumping Performance

The mechanical characteristics play a crucial role in sustaining daily life activities and facilitating participation in sport activities and exercises demanding a diverse range of motion. Furthermore, it is postulated that the mechanical composition of the muscle could impact the minimal energy expenditure, perceived exertion, and risk of injury during physical activities. This study aims to examine the effects of various exercise approaches, including aerobic exercise, strength training, and whole-body vibration, on the passive mechanical properties of muscle tissue.

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Key information

Conditions

Healty Behavior Female Motor Activity Sedantary Activity Young

Age range

18 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Bursa Uludag University

Bursa, Nilüfer, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Exercise applications are utilized in the maintenance of functional status, enhancement of performance, and prevention of injuries in healthy individuals while also serving therapeutic purposes in pathological conditions. Exercise programs implemented in both healthy individuals and those with disabilities have the potential to offer clinical and functional benefits, leading to physiological changes and mechanical adaptations within the muscle.The enhancement of muscle strength, endurance, and functional performance is observed in accordance with the individuals' physical fitness level and the type of exercise program undertaken. One additional determinant influencing performance is the passive mechanical properties of the muscle. The phrase "passive mechanical properties" denotes the mechanical properties exhibited by skeletal muscles in a state of quiescence, i.e., devoid of voluntary contraction. The passive mechanical properties of muscle encompass properties such as muscle tone, stiffness, thickness, and elasticity. Furthermore, it is postulated that the mechanical composition of the muscle could impact the minimal energy expenditure, perceived exertion, and risk of injury during physical activities. When implemented in either isolated or combined programs, exercises focusing on strengthening, stretching, and aerobic activities can have an impact on muscle mechanics.8,9 Within scholarly literature, there exist investigations that suggest a limited impact on the mechanical properties of muscles following exercise, alongside findings that demonstrate consistent exercise does not induce alterations in muscle stiffness.

Within academic discourse, it is established that power, force, and movement speed represent pivotal elements in elucidating superior performance at an advanced level. Physical fitness parameters, as demonstrated determinants of performance, exhibit direct correlation with muscle structure. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of various exercise approaches, including aerobic, strength training, and whole-body vibration, on passive mechanical properties of muscle tissue. Additionally, the study sought to assess how potential alterations in muscle mechanics might manifest in terms of performance outcomes.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Physically healthy and able to engage in the exercise program without any impediments.
  • Voluntary participation

Exclusion criteria

  • Prior surgical interventions.
  • Neuromuscular or neurodegenerative disorders.
  • Heart failure.
  • Cardiac stents.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Participants who do not meet the above criteria, even if their current health status permits participation in exercise activities.

Treatment and study plan

Whole body vibration exercise

Other

The participants underwent a prescribed exercise protocol involving both static and dynamic exercises on the designated platform. Specifically, static squats at a 30º angle, dynamic deep squats ranging from 30 to 60º, toe raises, weight transfer maneuvers during squats, as well as static and dynamic squat exercises performed unilaterally were implemented as part of the program

Other names: WHole Body Vibration

Aerobic Exercise

Other

The participants assigned to the aerobic exercise group were directed to engage in running activity on a conventional treadmill. The participants engaged in aerobic exercise, specifically moderate-to-high-intensity running at 65-80% of their maximal heart rate, for durations of 30-45 minutes per session, three times weekly. Heart rate was monitored with a portable pulse oximetry device.

Strengthening exercise

Other

Strengthening group, participants engaged in various lower extremity strengthening activities such as straight leg raises, abduction and adduction movements, knee flexion-extension, ankle plantar-dorsiflexion exercises. These exercises were performed both on a bed and in standing positions, utilizing resistance exercise bands.

Primary outcomes

  1. Muscle Strength

    Time frame: Baseline and at Week 4

    Isokinetic testing and rehabilitation systems were utilized to assess muscle strength. An assessment was conducted on the concentric and eccentric forces exerted on the quadriceps femoris and hamstring muscles in the dominant lower extremity. The assessment of concentric strength was conducted within the knee flexion range of 0-90 degrees, while the evaluation of eccentric strength was undertaken in the knee flexion range of 10-90 degrees at a velocity of 60º/sec. The peak torque values acquired from the experiment were utilized as the basis for the analysis.

  2. Horizontal Jump

    Time frame: Baseline and at Week 4

    Test was conducted unilaterally on the dominant lower extremity. Horizontal jump was repeated three times and the average of the measurement results was recorded.

  3. Muscle Stiffness

    Time frame: Baseline and at Week 4

    Changes in muscle stiffness were evaluated through shear wave elastography. The alterations in the stiffness properties of the muscle were documented utilizing an ultrasound device. Measurements were conducted on the dominant lower extremity to evaluate alterations in the muscle stiffness of the quadriceps muscles (vastus medialis obliquus, rectus femoris) and hamstring muscles (biceps femoris, semimembranosus).

  4. Muscle Thickness

    Time frame: Baseline and at Week 4

    Changes in muscle thickness were evaluated through shear wave elastography. The alterations in the thickness properties of the muscle were documented utilizing an ultrasound device. Measurements were conducted on the dominant lower extremity to evaluate alterations in the muscle thickness of the quadriceps muscles (vastus medialis obliquus, rectus femoris) and hamstring muscles (biceps femoris, semimembranosus).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Uludag University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2020
Primary completion
2021
Study completion
2022
First posted
Feb 5, 2025
Registry last updated
Feb 5, 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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