Electrical Stimulation vs. Static Stretching in the Leg Muscles
NCT ID: NCT06626698
Last Updated: 2025-12-19
Study Results
The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.
Basic Information
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COMPLETED
NA
56 participants
INTERVENTIONAL
2024-06-01
2024-07-31
Brief Summary
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The main questions it seeks to answer are:
* Are there significant differences in the short-term effect of electrical muscle elongation versus static stretching exercises on the gastrocnemius complex and Achilles tendon in young adults?
* Does the ankle\'s range of motion increase in both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing positions?
* Does muscle strength increase in ankle plantar flexion?
The researchers will compare the group receiving electrical muscle elongation with interferential current to the group receiving passive static stretching to assess whether there are significant differences in the effects on the ankle\'s range of motion and the muscle strength of the posterior leg muscles.
Participants in this study will perform the following tasks:
* Receive a session of electrical muscle elongation with TENS and static stretching performed by the researcher.
* Follow the instructions during the intervention.
* Undergo evaluations of ankle range of motion and plantar flexor muscle strength
* Record their level of satisfaction after the study.
Detailed Description
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Conditions
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Keywords
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Study Design
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RANDOMIZED
PARALLEL
TREATMENT
SINGLE
However, the Investigator (A.C-M, responsible for allocation and data recording) and the Care Provider (L.R-F, the podiatrist who applied the corresponding technique) were not blinded to the group assignment due to the distinct nature of the two interventions (one involving electrotherapy equipment and the other not).
Study Groups
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Experimental: static stretching
Passive static stretching of the posterior leg muscles. Single session of 30 seconds per 4 sets with 30 seconds of rest
Static stretching
A passive static stretch of the posterior leg muscles will be performed with the subject in a supine position and knees extended, starting with the ankle at 90º and continuing until reaching the maximum tolerated dorsiflexion.
Experimental: EME
Electrical muscle elongation with interferential current. Dosage: 4kHz frequency and 100Hz frequency modulation amplitude. Self-adhesive surface electrodes (50x90 mm) and SONOPULS-492 equipment. Single session of 30 seconds per 4 sets with 30 seconds of rest.
Electrical muscle elongation
The intervention will be performed with the subject in a supine position with knees extended. Electrodes will be placed on the gastrocnemius muscles of the leg being assessed. The parameters will be selected. Static stretching will begin until resistance is felt, at which point the intensity of the electrical current will be increased to induce a visible and tolerable contraction. Simultaneously, the subject will be asked to perform an isometric contraction of the antagonist muscles, resisted by the investigator. When the subject feels the stretch again, the intensity of the current will be increased once more until a new movement barrier is reached.
Interventions
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Static stretching
A passive static stretch of the posterior leg muscles will be performed with the subject in a supine position and knees extended, starting with the ankle at 90º and continuing until reaching the maximum tolerated dorsiflexion.
Electrical muscle elongation
The intervention will be performed with the subject in a supine position with knees extended. Electrodes will be placed on the gastrocnemius muscles of the leg being assessed. The parameters will be selected. Static stretching will begin until resistance is felt, at which point the intensity of the electrical current will be increased to induce a visible and tolerable contraction. Simultaneously, the subject will be asked to perform an isometric contraction of the antagonist muscles, resisted by the investigator. When the subject feels the stretch again, the intensity of the current will be increased once more until a new movement barrier is reached.
Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria
* Those with muscular shortening of the posterior chain of the limb.
Exclusion Criteria
* Hyperlaxity
* History of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular injuries, joint disease, surgery on the lower leg, or serious illness.
18 Years
25 Years
ALL
No
Sponsors
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University of Seville
OTHER
Responsible Party
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Aurora Castro Mendez
Principal Investigator. Aurora Castro-Méndez.
Principal Investigators
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Aurora Castro PhD
Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
University of Seville
Locations
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Área Clínica de Podología
Seville, , Spain
Countries
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References
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Mizuno T. Combined Effects of Static Stretching and Electrical Stimulation on Joint Range of Motion and Muscle Strength. J Strength Cond Res. 2019 Oct;33(10):2694-2703. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002260.
Espejo-Antunez L, Lopez-Minarro PA, Garrido-Ardila EM, Castillo-Lozano R, Dominguez-Vera P, Maya-Martin J, Albornoz-Cabello M. A comparison of acute effects between Kinesio tape and electrical muscle elongation in hamstring extensibility. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2015;28(1):93-100. doi: 10.3233/BMR-140496.
Espejo-Antúnez L, López-Miñarro PA, Albornoz-Cabello M, Garrido-Ardila EM. Acute effect of electrical muscle elongation and static stretching in hamstring muscle extensibility. Science & Sports. 1 de febrero de 2016;31(1):e1-7.
Espejo Antúnez L, Maya Martín J, Cardero Durán MA, Albornoz Cabello M. Aumento de la extensibilidad isquiotibial tras aplicar elongación muscular eléctrica. Fisioterapia. 1 de mayo de 2012;34(3):112-7.
Other Identifiers
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US-elect26
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: org_study_id