Effects of Long-term Foam Rolling Compared to Static Stretching on Hamstring Muscle Flexibility
Muscle Hypertonia
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Muscle Hypertonia
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Active 90/90 hamstring length goniometric measurement of greater than 10 degrees at baseline
- Active straight leg raise of less than 90 degrees
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of lower extremity injury including but not limited to sprain, strain, fracture, or any surgical intervention that lead to a decrease in activity greater than two weeks within the last six months
- Current involvement in a lower extremity flexibility program outside of their regular activity
Sites / Locations
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Experimental
Experimental
No Intervention
Foam rolling
Static stretching
Control
Participants in the foam rolling group will perform unilateral rolling of the hamstring musculature from ischial tuberosity to posterior knee in supine for 2 repetitions of 1 minute with 15 second rest between repetitions at a consistent cadence of 1 second superiorly and 1 second inferiorly. Subjects will be asked to adjust pressure as needed to maintain a consistent moderate pressure on the treatment area. Participants will use new and individually issued high density foam rollers that are 6" diameter x 36" length.
Participants in the static stretching group will perform sustained static hamstring stretching for 2 repetitions of 1 minute bouts for the same leg before switching sides using moderate pressure in supine against the wall. Subjects will rest for 15 seconds between repetitions and adjust distance from the wall to perceive moderate intensity.
The control group will perform their regular baseline activities without the addition of a specific lower extremity flexibility program. If the subjects are currently performing stretching of any mode at baseline, they will be allowed to continue with that activity.