Efficiency of Different Gastrocnemius Stretching Exercises

Launched by BITLIS EREN UNIVERSITY · Apr 14, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how different stretching exercises for the gastrocnemius muscle, which is located at the back of your lower leg, can help improve muscle tightness and other related issues. The researchers want to see how the type and length of these stretches affect not only the muscle itself but also the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia, which is the tissue on the bottom of the foot. They will also measure pain levels and tightness in the hamstring, which is the muscle at the back of your thigh.

To participate in this study, you need to be between 18 and 25 years old and have tightness in the gastrocnemius muscle on your dominant side (the side you use more). However, certain conditions, like recent surgeries, specific health issues, or using pain medications, will prevent you from joining. If you decide to participate, you’ll be asked to follow a stretching program and share your experience with the researchers. This study is not yet recruiting, so it will be important to check back for updates if you’re interested in getting involved.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• 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