Comparing two techniques for reducing hamstring tightness in football players

Comparative Effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Therapeutic Cupping on Hamstring Tightness Among Football Players

Not applicable Interventional Riphah International University · NCT06197971

This study tests whether Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization or Therapeutic Cupping is better at reducing hamstring tightness in young male football players.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 25 Years
SexMale
SponsorRiphah International University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lahore, Punjab)
Trial IDNCT06197971 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization versus Therapeutic Cupping on hamstring tightness among male football players aged 18-25. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups, with Group A receiving Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Group B undergoing Therapeutic Cupping. Assessments will be conducted using a Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Universal Goniometer, and Sit & Reach Test after a 6-week treatment period. The study is single-blinded and follows ethical guidelines approved by Riphah International University.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are male football players aged 18-25 with bilateral hamstring tightness and a history of hamstring injury within the last 6 months.

Not a fit: Patients with malignancies, recent lower limb fractures, post-surgical conditions, neurological disorders, or skin allergies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective treatment options for reducing hamstring tightness, enhancing flexibility and performance in football players.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific comparison of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Therapeutic Cupping in football players is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age (18-25),Male Gender Only,
* Football Players, Bilateral Hamstring Tightness,
* Previous hamstring injury in the last 6 months,
* Positive SLR test,
* Positive Passive/Active Knee Extension test

Exclusion Criteria:

* Malignancy of lower limb,
* History of Lower Limb fracture in the last 6 months,
* Post-surgical condition from past 6 months,
* Neurological Conditions such as SLE, Herpes zoster, parkinsonism, Shingles disease, Musculoskeletal disorders like adductor tendinopathy, low back pain, knee injuries, hip injuries,
* Skin Allergies.

Where this trial is running

Lahore, Punjab

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions FlexibilityHamstring TightnessInstrument Assisted Soft Tissue MobilizationRange of MotionCupping TechniqueFootball Players
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.