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Arterial StiffnessstretchingNCT06944886

Effects of Active Stretching on Cardiovascular Response and Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults With Low Flexibility

A study testing Active Static Stretching Exercise Combined with Breathing Exercise (Experimental Group) in people with Arterial Stiffness and Autonomic Nervous System, run by University of Phayao at 1 site in Thailand.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

A study of the effects of active static stretching exercise in elderly people with poor lower extremity muscle flexibility on autonomic and cardiovascular responses and balance ability. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 60 to 80 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
What is being tested?
Active Static Stretching Exercise Combined with Breathing Exercise (Experimental Group)
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
80 participants
Where
1 siteThailand
Study dates
1 Dec 2024to 9 Apr 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 60 to 80 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • - Elderly males and females
  • Have a normal body mass index (between 18.5-24.5 kg/m2)
  • Be able to follow instructions and willing to participate in the study
  • Be able to communicate with the researcher and provide information by themselves (the researcher will read the questions to the volunteers and let the volunteers choose the answers by themselves)
  • Be able to walk continuously for at least 10 meters with or without walking aids
  • Have low flexibility with a forward lean distance not exceeding the 40th percentile from the sit and reach test according to the American College of Sports Medicine criteria

Who cannot join

  • - Abnormalities such as pain or inflammation of the legs more than 5 points, assessed by (visual analog scale (VAS) > 5 points)
  • Significantly different leg lengths (more than 1.4 centimeters) or abnormalities of joints, including abnormal sensations that affect movement and walking
  • Uncontrolled chronic diseases or obstacles to study, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, skeletal and muscular diseases such as chronic back pain, acute osteoarthritis, sprained ankle
  • Vision problems that cannot be corrected by wearing glasses
  • Uncorrected hearing Inner ear disturbances that affect balance, such as otitis media

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Thailand1 site
  • Chonticha Kaewjoho

    Phayao, 56000

Other trials in Thailand

About this study

Official title: Effects of Active Stretching Exercises on Autonomic Cardiovascular Responses and Arterial Stiffness in Elderly Individuals With Low Flexibility Levels: A Randomized Controlled Trial

A study of the effects of active static stretching exercise in elderly people with poor lower extremity muscle flexibility on autonomic and cardiovascular responses and balance ability.

Read the detailed description

This study aims to investigate the effects of active static stretching exercises on autonomic nervous system responses, arterial stiffness, and balance ability in elderly individuals with poor flexibility in the lower extremity muscles.

Participants will engage in an 8-week exercise program consisting of active static stretching sessions, focusing on major muscle groups in the lower limbs. The intervention is designed to improve arterial elasticity and heart rate variability (HRV) while enhancing dynamic and static balance performance.

Outcomes will include measures of heart rate variability (HRV), arterial stiffness, and physical performance assessments such as the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Single-Leg Stance test (SLST), and muscle strength tests. Body composition and flexibility (sit-and-reach test, back scratch test) will also be evaluated.

The study hypothesizes that active static stretching will promote improvements in autonomic regulation and cardiovascular health, as well as increase flexibility and balance control in community-dwelling older adults with reduced lower-limb flexibility.

Being tested
Active Static Stretching Exercise Combined with Breathing Exercise (Experimental Group)
Keywords
Active static stretching, Arterial stiffness, Autonomic nervous system response, Lower-limb flexibility, Balance control in older adults
Medical subject headings
Musculoskeletal Diseases

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Active Static Stretching Exercise Combined with Breathing Exercise (Experimental Group)Other

    Also called Active Static Stretching

    Participants in the intervention group performed active static stretching exercises using a pictorial exercise booklet. The booklet contained a series of self-directed stretching postures targeting major muscle groups. Each stretch was held in a static position without external assistance, encouraging the participant to engage and maintain the stretch voluntarily."

    Each stretch was held for 30 seconds and repeated 3 times per muscle group. The targeted areas included the hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, hip flexors, and shoulders."

Study groups in NCT06944886
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Active Static Stretching Exercise Combined with Breathing Exercise (Experimental Group)ExperimentalParticipants received a pre-intervention orientation at the SHPH, including instruction by a licensed physical therapist on active static stretching and breathing techniques. Each participant was given an illustrated manual and logbook. The 8-week program combined home-based stretching with weekly supervised sessions at the SHPH. Exercises targeted neck, trunk, upper and lower limb muscles (e.g., flexors, extensors, pectorals, triceps, quadriceps, hamstrings, adductors). Movements were performed in seated, lying, and standing positions, synchronized with breathing. Each session included a 5-min warm-up, 30 min of stretching, and 5-min cool-down. Exercises were done 5 times/week (4 at home, 1 supervised). Community health volunteers followed up weekly.
Receives: Other: Active Static Stretching Exercise Combined with Breathing Exercise (Experimental Group)
Control groupNo interventionregular activity

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Assessment

    HRV was evaluated to measure the variability between heartbeats, providing insight into autonomic nervous system (ANS) function, stress resistance, and arterial elasticity (Nunan et al., 2009). Measurements were conducted using the SA-3000P device in a temperature-controlled room (25-27 °C) during a consistent morning time frame (8:00-10:00 AM). Participant data (e.g., sex, date of birth) were entered into the system, and the individual was instructed to sit comfortably, refrain from speaking or moving, and breathe normally for 3 minutes while a finger probe was attached. Results were automatically displayed and stored for analysis.

    Measured: pre-test, 4weeks and 8 weeks

  2. Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test

    The TUG test was used to assess dynamic balance and fall risk. Participants were instructed to rise from a chair, walk 3 meters at a safe and fastest possible pace, turn around a cone, and return to the chair. Timing stopped once they sat back down. Each participant performed three trials, and the average time was recorded.

    Measured: pre-test, 4weeks and 8 weeks

  3. Hand Grip Strength Test

    Upper extremity strength was assessed using a hand grip dynamometer. Participants stood upright with arms at their sides. The test was conducted on the dominant arm with the elbow extended and the arm in a neutral pronated position. The dynamometer handle was adjusted to the second phalanx. Participants were asked to abduct the arm approximately 15 degrees and, upon the signal "start," squeeze the device with maximum force.

    Measured: pre-test, 4weeks and 8 weeks

  4. Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST)

    Lower limb strength was assessed using the FTSST. Participants sat in a standard-height chair (without armrests), feet flat on the floor, heels 10 cm behind the knees, and hips flexed at approximately 90 degrees. Upon the command "start," they were instructed to stand up and sit down five times as quickly and safely as possible. Timing began at the command and ended when they sat down on the fifth repetition. Three trials were conducted, and the average time was used.

    Measured: pre-test, 4weeks and 8 weeks

  5. Single-Leg Stance Test (SLST)

    Static balance was measured using the SLST (Franchignoni et al., 2010). Participants crossed their arms over their chest and stood on their preferred leg with the opposite leg lifted at 90-degree knee flexion. Timing started upon command and stopped when any of the following occurred: (1) lifted leg touched the ground, (2) lifted leg touched the standing leg, (3) the standing leg shifted position, or (4) arms moved from the chest. The test was repeated three times, and the average time (in seconds) was recorded. Participants were allowed to rest for one minute between trials.

    Measured: pre-test, 4weeks and 8 weeks

  6. Isometric Strength Assessment

    Isometric back, leg, and chest strength was evaluated using a calibrated dynamometer (Takei 5402 Back Muscle Digital Dynamometer). Participants stood on the device base with knees extended. The handle height was adjusted to the knee joint. During testing, participants flexed hips and knees slightly, maintaining a natural lordotic curve. They were instructed to pull vertically using maximal isometric contraction over 3 seconds, holding for 2 seconds. After one demonstration and one trial, three formal trials were performed, with 30-second rests in between. The maximum value from the trials (in kilograms) was recorded for analysis.

    Measured: pre-test, 4weeks and 8 weeks

  7. Sit and Reach Test (SRT)

    Flexibility of the lower back and hamstrings was measured using the SRT. Participants sat on the floor with knees fully extended and reached forward along a standardized box. They were instructed to reach as far as possible and hold for two seconds. Two trials were conducted with 2-minute rests, and the best average score was used

    Measured: pre-test, 4weeks and 8 weeks

  8. Back Scratch Test

    Upper body flexibility was assessed using the Back Scratch Test (ICC: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-0.98). Participants stood upright and reached one hand over the shoulder and the other behind the back to touch or overlap fingertips. The distance (in cm) between fingertips was measured: overlapping = positive score; unable to touch = negative score; fingertips touching = 0. Two trials were performed for each arm, and the average was recorded. The minimal detectable change reported in previous studies was 1.41 cm.

    Measured: pre-test, 4weeks and 8 weeks

  9. Body Composition Analysis

    Body composition was assessed using the InBody analyzer, which measures muscle mass, fat, water, minerals, and bone mass via bioelectrical impedance analysis. Participants grasped the hand electrodes and stood still on the platform for approximately 5 minutes. The device automatically analyzed and printed the results.

    Measured: pre-test, 4weeks and 8 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted25 Apr 2025
  2. Study start1 Dec 2024
  3. Primary completion5 Apr 2025
  4. Study completion9 Apr 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Basic science
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Older adult participants attended an orientation at the SHPH, where a licensed physical therapist provided instruction on active static stretching and breathing techniques. Each participant received an illustrated manual and logbook. The 8-week hybrid program included home-based stretching with one supervised session weekly. Exercises targeted neck, trunk, upper and lower limb muscles (e.g., flexors, extensors, pectorals, triceps, hamstrings, adductors). Movements were done in seated, lying, and standing positions, synchronized with breathing. Each session included a 5-min warm-up, 30 min of stretching, and 5-min cool-down. Participants trained 5 days/week (4 home, 1 group). Community health volunteers provided weekly follow-up.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
80 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06944886
Sponsor's protocol ID
UPhayaoChonticha-220
Acronym
stretching
Status last verified
Apr 2025
First submitted
10 Apr 2025
Last updated
25 Apr 2025
Results posted
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Active Static Stretching Exercise Combined with Breathing Exercise (Experimental Group) in people with Arterial Stiffness and Autonomic Nervous System, run by University of Phayao at 1 site in Thailand.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Apr 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Thailand. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Assessment (time frame: pre-test, 4weeks and 8 weeks). The study lists 9 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Apr 2025.

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