Passive versus passive-plus-active hamstring stretching for flexibility in chronic low back pain
Official title: Comparison of the Immediate Effect of Passive vs. Passive-Active Hamstring Stretching on Flexibility in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial: EFIM2
Run by University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand · NCT06888895 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will see if adding active hamstring stretches to passive stretches improves flexibility for adults with chronic low back pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Cébazat, France and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 2028 |
| Study ends | April 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 25, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06888895 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–65 with low back pain lasting at least 3 months who have a hamstring flexibility deficit (straight leg raise <85° or fingertip-to-floor distance >5 cm) and no excluded comorbidities are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with radicular pain, disc inflammation (MODIC Type 1), significant neurological/cardiovascular/respiratory/oncological disease, recent major lower‑limb or lumbar surgery, or who are pregnant/breastfeeding are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In a randomized controlled design, 90 adults with chronic low back pain and hamstring extensibility deficits will be assigned to either combined passive-active stretching (PAS) or passive stretching (PS) alone. Measures of active knee extension (primary outcome) and secondary outcomes including fingertip-to-floor distance, straight leg raise, hamstring stiffness, and pelvic tilt will be recorded before and immediately after the single intervention. An anchor question about participants' perceived change in flexibility will be used to estimate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Group-by-time comparisons will determine whether PAS produces greater immediate changes than PS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, combining passive and active hamstring stretches could produce larger immediate gains in active flexibility and help refine rehabilitation techniques for people with chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have gone: Passive stretching is known to improve passive hamstring range but prior work has not shown meaningful improvements in active range of motion, and combining passive plus active stretching is a relatively novel approach with limited prior evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female patients aged between 18 and 65 years * Suffering from low-back pain for at least 3 months * Presenting with hamstring flexibility deficit (Straight Leg Raise \<85°, Fingertip-to-Floor distance \>5 cm) Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with radicular pain * Disc inflammation (MODIC Type 1) * Other relevant pathologies (neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, or oncological diseases) * Significant surgical history (e.g., lumbar arthrodesis, knee or hip arthroplasty) * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Patients under protective legal measures
Where it's running
-
Clermont Ferrand Univbersity HOspital, Louise Michel site
Cébazat, France, France Recruiting -
CHU de Clermont-Ferrand
Clermont-Ferrand, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lech DOBIJA — University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand
- Study coordinator: Lise Laclautre
- Email: promo_interne_drci@chu-clermontferrand.fr
- Phone: 334-73-754-963
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.