Dynamic Stretching vs. Foam Rolling: Effects on Hamstring Flexibility and Muscle Oxygenation in Tight Hamstrings

Launched by PELIN PIŞIRICI · Jun 9, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at two different ways to help people with tight hamstrings—muscles at the back of your thigh—to become more flexible and improve how well these muscles use oxygen. The two methods being compared are dynamic stretching, which means moving your muscles actively through different positions, and foam rolling, a technique where you use a foam roller to apply pressure and massage the muscles. The study wants to see which method better improves flexibility and muscle oxygen use after just one session.

To take part, you need to be a healthy adult between 18 and 35 years old with tight hamstrings, meaning you have limited ability to fully straighten your knee during a simple test. People with certain health problems, recent intense exercise, or pain during testing won’t be eligible. If you join, you’ll participate in one session where either dynamic stretching or foam rolling is done, and your hamstring flexibility and muscle oxygen levels will be measured before and after. This study aims to find simple, effective ways to help people improve hamstring flexibility and muscle health, which can support better movement and reduce injury risk.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Healthy individuals aged between 18 and 35 years
• • Both male and female participants
• • Absence of any known health conditions
• • Hamstring tightness defined as ≥20° of knee flexion angle in Active Knee Extension test
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Any neuromuscular or orthopedic disorders affecting the lower extremities
• • Circulatory or vascular problems
• • Respiratory or cardiovascular diseases
• • Renal failure
• • Presence of pain during measurements or exercise protocols
• • Excessive skin sensitivity or active skin infection
• • History of intense physical activity within the last 48 hours