The Effects of Myofascial Release and Stretching of the Hamstring and Plantar Fascia on Range of Motion, Cervical Proprioception, Static and Dynamic Balance, Muscle Strength, and Jump Performance
The Effects of Myofascial Release and Stretching of the Hamstring and Plantar Fascia on Range of Motion, Cervical Proprioception, Static and Dynamic Balance, Muscle Strength, and Jump Performance
Design
Clinical trial with control group, with parallel groups, No blinding, randomized, on 80 people, lottery was used for randomization.
Settings and conduct
Place of study: Faculty of Physical Education, University of Tehran;
Study population: athletes;
Type of blinding: without blinding
Participants/Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: male; age range from 18 to 40 years; People who want to take the test and complete the consent form; No history of musculoskeletal pain in the last two weeks Exclusion criteria: hypermobility; Using flexibility and yoga exercise programs for more than 6 months; severe orthopedic problem; 6 months history of back pain, neck pain and soft tissue damage; Fibromyalgia and other psychological problems
Intervention groups
Intervention Group 1: Includes myofascial release of the hamstring muscle and plantar fascia using a foam roller and massage ball performed by the participant themselves.
Intervention Group 2: Includes static stretching of the hamstring muscle and plantar fascia performed by the researcher.
Main outcome variables
Cervical Range of motion
Dynamic Balance
Static Balance
Muscle Strength
Cervical Proprioception
Jump Performance or Jump Height
General information
Reason for update
Acronym
IRCT registration information
IRCT registration number:IRCT20240521061862N3
Registration date:2025-07-15, 1404/04/24
Registration timing:prospective
Last update:2025-07-15, 1404/04/24
Update count:0
Registration date
2025-07-15, 1404/04/24
Registrant information
Name
Behrouz Jafari
Name of organization / entity
The university of Tehran
Country
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Phone
+98 21 8602 0153
Email address
jaffari_behroz@yahoo.com
Recruitment status
Recruitment complete
Funding source
Expected recruitment start date
2025-08-06, 1404/05/15
Expected recruitment end date
2025-11-06, 1404/08/15
Actual recruitment start date
empty
Actual recruitment end date
empty
Trial completion date
empty
Scientific title
The Effects of Myofascial Release and Stretching of the Hamstring and Plantar Fascia on Range of Motion, Cervical Proprioception, Static and Dynamic Balance, Muscle Strength, and Jump Performance
Public title
Investigating the Effects of Hamstring and Plantar Fascia Release and Stretching on Range of Motion, Balance, Strength, and Jumping Ability
Purpose
Prevention
Inclusion/Exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:
Being male
Age range from 18 to 40 years
People who want to take the test and complete the consent form.
Exclusion criteria:
Hypermobility (Beton test score 4 and more)
Using flexibility and yoga exercise programs for more than 6 months
Severe orthopedic problem, Fibromyalgia and other mental problems (using the GHQ-12 general health questionnaire)
Having a history of surgery
History of musculoskeletal pain in the last two weeks
Age
From 18 years old to 40 years old
Gender
Male
Phase
2-3
Groups that have been masked
No information
Sample size
Target sample size:
80
Randomization (investigator's opinion)
Randomized
Randomization description
After identifying the people to participate in the research, a simple randomization method was used. In such a way that the selection of participants was completely based on chance and probability and every participant had the same chance to enter the sample. The main factor for us was that each participant had an equal chance of being placed in each group. Then, with the lottery method, the names of the people were written on paper and placed in a container, and someone other than the researchers randomly picked the names, and the names that were the first to leave the intervention group and the rest of the control group. In the randomization process, the researchers had no involvement and this work was done by an uninformed person.
Blinding (investigator's opinion)
Not blinded
Blinding description
Placebo
Used
Assignment
Parallel
Other design features
Secondary Ids
empty
Ethics committees
1
Ethics committee
Name of ethics committee
Ethics Committee of the Sport Sciences Research Institute
Limited Cervical Range of Motion and Hamstring Muscle Shortness
ICD-10 code
M54.2
ICD-10 code description
Cervicalgia
Primary outcomes
1
Description
Neck range of motion including flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation
Timepoint
Before the test and after the test after doing 6 weeks of training
Method of measurement
Using the Measure Angles Bubble Level protractor and protractor version 3.99.92 application on the iPhone 13 Pro Max smartphone
2
Description
Neck proprioception
Timepoint
Before and immediately after intervention
Method of measurement
Angle reconstruction error method to check the proprioceptive condition using laser pen and graduated plate
3
Description
Static Balance
Timepoint
Before and immediately after intervention
Method of measurement
Static balance was assessed using the Single-Leg Stance Test with Eyes Closed. In this test, the participant stands on their dominant leg on a flat surface, lifts the opposite foot off the ground, and closes their eyes. The duration for which balance is maintained without losing posture is recorded as an indicator of static balance
4
Description
Dynamic balance
Timepoint
Before and immediately after intervention
Method of measurement
Dynamic balance was assessed using the Y-Balance Test. In this test, the participant stands on one leg (the stance leg) while reaching the other leg in three directions: anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral. The maximum reach distance in each direction, without losing balance, is measured and recorded. This test is a reliable and valid method for evaluating neuromuscular control and dynamic postural stability
5
Description
Jump Distance
Timepoint
Before and immediately after intervention
Method of measurement
Lower limb power and functional performance were assessed using the Single-Leg Hop Test. In this test, the participant stands on one leg and performs a maximal forward jump, landing on the same leg. The test was performed separately for both the right and left legs. The distance from the toe at take-off to the heel at landing is measured and recorded. This test is widely used and validated for evaluating explosive muscular power, limb symmetry, and functional lower extremity performance
Secondary outcomes
empty
Intervention groups
1
Description
Intervention Group 1:Self-myofascial release of the hamstring muscles and plantar fascia was performed using a foam roller and massage ball by the participant. The participant sat on the floor with the foam roller placed under the posterior part of both thighs. By shifting their body weight onto the foam roller, they slowly rolled back and forth along the hamstrings. This movement was performed for 2 minutes, in 3 sets.Next, the participant sat on a chair and placed a massage ball under the sole of the foot. By applying slight pressure, they rolled the foot slowly back and forth over the ball. This exercise was also performed for 2 minutes, in 3 sets for each foot.
Category
Prevention
2
Description
Intervention Group2:The participant lay supine on the floor while the researcher passively lifted one leg upward, keeping the knee extended, until the participant reported a sensation of stretch accompanied by mild discomfort. The position was held for 30 seconds and repeated three times for each leg.Next, while still lying on the floor, the participant was instructed to place a resistance band around the ball of the foot and actively pull it toward themselves until a stretch was felt in the plantar aspect of the foot. This stretch was also held for 30 seconds and performed in 3 sets for each foot.