Acute non-local effects of static stretching of the thigh muscles on drop jumping performance
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN12240843 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12240843 |
| Sponsor | University of Palermo |
| Funder | Università degli Studi di Palermo |
- Submission date
- 14/11/2025
- Registration date
- 31/03/2026
- Last edited
- 31/03/2026
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Musculoskeletal Diseases
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
The study investigates how stretching the muscles in the legs affects flexibility and jumping performance. Researchers aim to understand the short-term impact of static stretching on these abilities in healthy young adults.
Who can participate?
Adults aged 18 or older who are physically active but not competitive athletes. Participants do not have muscle, joint, or nerve problems.
What does the study involve?
Participants attend one session in a laboratory. During this session, they complete flexibility and jumping tests before and after a stretching routine, and again 15 minutes later.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
There is very little risk, although participants might feel mild discomfort while stretching. They may improve flexibility and help researchers learn more about sports science.
Where is the study run from?
The University of Palermo in Italy.
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
September 2022 to March 2023.
Who is funding the study?
The University of Palermo in Italy.
Who is the main contact?
Mr Antonino Scardina, University of Palermo – antonino.scardina01@unipa.it
Contact information
Principal investigator, Scientific
Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit
Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement
University of Palermo
Via Giovanni Pascoli 6
Palermo
90144
Italy
 ORCID ID |
0000-0001-9136-320X |
|---|---|
| Phone | +39 91 2389 9605 |
| antonino.scardina01@unipa.it |
Public, Scientific
Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit
Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement
University of Palermo
Via Giovanni Pascoli 6
Palermo
90143
Italy
| ORCID ID |
0000-0002-3092-1666 |
|---|---|
| Phone | +39 91 2389 9605 |
| marianna.bellafiore@unipa.it |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Allocation | Randomized controlled trial |
| Masking | Open (masking not used) |
| Control | Dose comparison |
| Assignment | Crossover |
| Purpose | Basic science, Treatment |
| Scientific title | Acute non-local effects of static stretching of the thigh muscles on drop jumping performance |
| Study objectives | To evaluate the effects of static stretching on flexibility and neuromuscular performance in healthy young adults. |
| Ethics approval(s) |
Approved 25/11/2021, University of Palermo Bioethical Committee (Piazza Marina n. 61, Palermo, 90133, Italy; +39 91 238 93853; comitato.bioetica@unipa.it), ref: 65/2021 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Healthy young adults without musculoskeletal or neurological disorders; study focuses on normal physiological responses to static stretching. |
| Intervention | Participants perform a static stretching protocol targeting the hamstring muscles. The protocol consists of repeated static stretches held for 30 seconds each, with controlled intensity below the discomfort threshold. The intervention is performed under supervision in a laboratory setting. A control condition involving rest or no stretching is included to compare the physiological and functional responses. Randomisation was performed using an online tool (www.randomizer.org). The platform generated a concealed allocation sequence assigning participants to the five conditions; group allocation was revealed only upon arrival at the laboratory. Due to the nature of the interventions, neither participants nor investigators were blinded. |
| Intervention type | Behavioural |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
|
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) | |
| Completion date | 30/03/2023 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Upper age limit | 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 90 |
| Total final enrolment | 90 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Healthy young adults 2. ≥18 years and able to provide written informed consent 3. Physically active (engaging in physical activity at least twice per week) but not competitive athletes 4. Hamstring flexibility ≥60° on passive straight leg raise at baseline 5. Able to perform study procedures 6. Including static stretching protocols and single-leg drop jumps from a 40-cm box in a laboratory setting |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. History of musculoskeletal injury or lower limb surgery within the past 6 months 2. Presence of neurological, cardiovascular, or systemic disorders affecting movement or performance 3. Regular participation in structured flexibility or stretching programs (≥3 times per week) 4. Current pain or discomfort in the lower limbs or spine 5. Use of medications that could influence muscle tone, balance, or coordination 6. Inability or unwillingness to comply with study procedures or provide informed consent |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/09/2022 |
| Date of final enrolment | 30/03/2023 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- Italy
Study participating centres
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|
Editorial Notes
19/11/2025: Trial's existence confirmed by University of Palermo Bioethical Committee.
