Comparison of Shockwave Therapy and Exercise on Pain, Flexibility, and Balance in Hamstring Tightness

Comparison of the Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Exercise on Pain, Flexibility, and Balance in Individuals With Hamstring Tightness

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the short- and long-term effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and exercise therapy on pain, flexibility, and balance in individuals with low back pain associated with hamstring tightness. Thirty participants will be randomized into two groups (ESWT or exercise) and receive interventions twice weekly for four weeks. Outcomes include pain (a (VAS), flexibility (Popliteal Angle and Fingertip-to-Floor tests), and balance (Y-Balance Test), assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at a four-week follow-up.

This study evaluates the efficacy of ESWT versus exercise therapy in managing low back pain due to hamstring tightness. Participants with diagnosed hamstring tightness and low back pain will be randomly assigned to receive either ESWT or an exercise program, each administered twice weekly for four weeks. The ESWT group will receive standardized shock wave therapy targeting the hamstring muscles and related structures, alongside core exercises. The exercise group will perform a structured program including hamstring stretching and lumbar stabilization exercises, also with core exercises. Assessments will occur at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and four weeks post-treatment. Pain will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), flexibility via Popliteal Angle (PA) and Fingertip-to-Floor (FTF) tests, and balance using the Y-Balance Test (YBT). Data will be analyzed using Statistical analysis will be performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), 26.0, with a significance level of p<0.05. The study hypothesizes that ESWT may provide faster pain relief and balance improvements, while exercise may offer more sustained flexibility gains.

Inclusion Criteria:

• • Diagnosed with low back pain due to hamstring tightness.

  • Aged 18-65 years.
  • Male or female.
  • Medically cleared for ESWT or exercise therapy.
  • Experienced low back pain in the past 6 months without serious spinal pathology (e.g., herniated disc, fracture).

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Other musculoskeletal conditions causing low back pain (e.g., disc herniation, spinal stenosis).

  • Outside the specified age range.
  • Serious health conditions that may affect study outcomes.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  • Surgical intervention in the back or hamstring region within the past 6 months.