The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different types and durations of gastrocnemius stretching on the viscoelastic properties of the gastrocnemius muscle, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia.In addition, pain threshold of the gastrocnemius muscle and plantar fascia, as well as on hamstring tightness will be measured.
The study will include a total of at least 48 individuals who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subsequently, participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups for gastrocnemius stretching exercises of different durations and types. Participants in Group I will perform sustained stretching with a towel, those in Group II will perform intermittent stretching with a towel, those in Group III will perform sustained stretching against the wall, and those in Group IV will perform intermittent stretching against the wall. The stretching exercises will be performed under the supervision of one of the researcher. Compliance with the stretching exercise will be evaluated by keeping a daily log.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
48
Participants will perform different types and durations of gastrocnemius muscle stretching exercises according to their assigned groups for two weeks.
Bitlis Eren University
Bitlis, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye)
Measurement of the Viscoelastic Properties
The effect of stretches on the viscoelastic properties of the stretched muscle and its associated anatomical regions will be evaluated non-invasively using the myotonometer. Measurements will be taken on the medial and lateral gastrocnemius, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia. The measurement areas will be marked prior to measurement. Measurements of the gastrocnemius and Achilles tendon will be taken with individuals lying prone, knees extended, and ankles in a neutral position. Measurement of plantar fascia tone will be taken with individuals lying prone, hips in neutral, knees extended, ankles in neutral position with goniometer assistance, and supported. All measurements will be taken three times, and the averages will be recorded.
Time frame: Change from baseline viscoelastic properties at seventh and fourteen day
Ankle-foot Dorsiflexion Index
The ankle-foot dorsiflexion index will be used to assess both the tightness of the gastrocnemius muscle and the effectiveness of stretches. The individual's dorsiflexion range of motion will be measured using the lunge test, with measurements taken in both knee extension and flexion positions, and the difference between these measurements will be recorded as the ankle-foot dorsiflexion index.
Time frame: Change from baseline ankle dorsiflexion range of motion at seventh and fourteen day
Measurement of the Mechanosensitivity
The effect of stretching on pain threshold will be assessed using an analog algometer. Pain threshold measurements will be taken on the gastrocnemius and plantar fascia. The measurement points for the gastrocnemius muscle will be the same as the viscoelastic measurement points. The measurement point for the plantar fascia will be the point where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel. Pain threshold measurements will be taken with the individual lying prone, with their feet hanging off the treatment bed. Measurements will be taken at each point with a 30-second interval, and three measurements will be taken for each point. The averages of these measurements will be calculated.
Time frame: Change from baseline pain at seventh and fourteen day
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Assessment of Hamstring Tightness
The hamstring muscle tightness in the individuals participating in the study will be assessed using the straight leg raise test. The straight leg raise test is particularly used to evaluate the tightness and elasticity of the hamstring muscles. For the test, the individual will be positioned in a supine lying position with the hip and knee joints in a neutral position. Subsequently, while the knee is in extension, the hip will gradually be brought into flexion. Hip flexion will be stopped when the individual feels discomfort from the tension behind the hip. Then, using a goniometer, the angle formed between the individual's lower extremity and the treatment bed will be measured. The center of the goniometer will be placed on the greater trochanter, with one arm along the lateral thigh and the other arm parallel to the treatment bed. An angle of 80 degrees is considered normal. The measurement will be repeated three times, and the average of the three measurements will be calculated.
Time frame: Change from baseline hamstring tightness at seventh and fourteen day