Clinical Research Directory

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

Hamstring muscle flexibility plays a vital role in functional movement and in the prevention of injuries. Reduced flexibility of the hamstring muscles is common and can lead to biomechanical dysfunctions, a limited range of motion, and poor posture. Interventions such as stretching exercises and myofascial release techniques are widely used to improve muscle flexibility. Dynamic stretching, which involves active muscle movements, has been shown to significantly enhance flexibility and may be more effective than static stretching. The use of a foam roller, which is a self-applied myofascial release technique, also improves flexibility and may offer additional benefits by increasing fascial mobility without impairing muscle strength. Peripheral muscle oxygenation reflects a muscle's ability to utilize oxygen and is increasingly used to assess physical performance and fatigue. Although some studies suggest that stretching exercises and foam roller applications may improve peripheral muscle oxygenation, the evidence remains limited. This study aimed to compare the effects of a single session of isolated dynamic stretching and foam roller application on hamstring muscle flexibility and muscle oxygenation. The hypothesis proposed that dynamic stretching would be more effective than foam roller application in enhancing muscle oxygenation, while both interventions would similarly improve muscle flexibility.

Changes in the Quadriceps Muscle After Dry Needling Treatment

The present study aims to examine the mechanical changes following dry needling of the quadriceps muscle. To this end, structural and mechanical changes in quadriceps muscle activity will be measured using M-mode ultrasound. The quadriceps muscle strength will also be assessed with dynamometry. In addition, the knee joint range will be checked by means of a goniometry procedure. The subjects will be assessed before and after the application of a dry needling technique on the quadriceps muscle to determine possible changes in the measured variables.

Effects Of Posterior Oblique Sling Strengthening on Temporo-Spatial Gait Parameters in Young Adults

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of posterior oblique sling strengthening on gait parameters (speed, stride length, and cadence), gluteus maximus strength, latissimus dorsi flexibility, and trunk rotation in young adults. A randomized clinical trial will be conducted at Riphah Internal university, Rawal General \& Dental Hospital and Rawal Institute of Rehabilitation \& Health Sciences. Recruiting 48 participants aged 18-30 years with unilateral or bilateral posterior oblique sling tightness. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups through the sealed envelope method. The intervention will be performed four times per week for three weeks, followed by a home-based program from weeks 4 to 6. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-1st session, weekly during intervention, and at week 6. Tools used include Inclinometer (for lumbar range of motion), Goniometer (to assess latissimus dorsi length), Waistband Pedometer (to measure gait parameters such as cadence, walking speed, and stride length), Hand-held Dynamometer (to assess gluteus maximus strength), Inches Tape (for Pectoralis Minor Length Test to evaluate muscle flexibility and scapular positioning) and demographic measures..

The Effect of Hamstring Stretching on Lumbar Muscle Activation in Officers

Prolonged periods of desk work and static postures in office workers lead to various musculoskeletal issues in both the lower and upper extremities. One such issue is hamstring muscle tightness observed in individuals. Tight hamstring muscles contribute to increased electromyographic muscle activity in the lumbar region, altered lumbopelvic rhythm, and changes in lumbar stabilization, leading to low back pain. The viscoelastic properties of the hamstring muscles play a crucial role in maintaining posture and stabilizing the lumbar region. Insufficient hamstring flexibility or viscoelastic properties can alter pelvic position and result in excessive stress in the lumbar region, thereby increasing the risk of low back pain. It is anticipated that the activation, stabilization, and viscoelasticity of the muscles in the lumbar region will change through static active hamstring stretching exercises, which aim to restore the length-tension relationship in the hamstring muscles. This study aims to investigate the effect of active static hamstring stretching exercises on lumbar muscle activation, stabilization, and viscoelasticity in office workers.