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Shortwave diathermy and prolonged stretching increase hamstring flexibility more than prolonged stretching alone
David O Draper1, Jennifer L Castro, Brent Feland
1Graduate Athletic Training Program, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA. david_draper@byu.edu
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
|February 18, 2004
Summary
Shortwave diathermy combined with prolonged stretching significantly improves hamstring flexibility. This heat and stretch technique offers a promising method for enhancing range of motion in individuals with tight hamstrings.
Area of Science:
- Physiotherapy
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Heat and stretch techniques are commonly used to improve flexibility.
- The specific effects of shortwave diathermy combined with hamstring stretching have not been previously investigated.
- Diathermy's deep heating properties may enhance muscle extensibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of pulsed shortwave diathermy and prolonged stretching versus sham diathermy and prolonged stretching, and a control group in improving hamstring flexibility.
- To evaluate changes in hamstring flexibility following different treatment protocols.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, counterbalanced repeated-measures design was employed with 30 college-age students exhibiting hamstring tightness.
- Participants were assigned to one of three groups: diathermy and stretch, sham diathermy and stretch, or control.
- Range of motion was measured before and after treatments over 5 days and on day 8, utilizing a mechanical straight leg-raise apparatus.
Main Results:
- The diathermy and stretch group showed a mean increase of 15.8 degrees in knee extension after 5 days, compared to 5.2 degrees for the sham group and -0.3 degrees for the control group.
- Seventy-two hours post-treatment, the diathermy group maintained flexibility gains, losing only 1.9 degrees, while the sham and control groups experienced greater losses.
- These findings indicate a significant benefit of combining diathermy with stretching for immediate and short-term flexibility improvements.
Conclusions:
- Pulsed shortwave diathermy, when used concurrently with prolonged stretching, significantly enhances hamstring flexibility.
- This combined therapeutic approach offers a viable and effective method for increasing hamstring range of motion.
- Further research may explore long-term effects and optimal diathermy parameters for flexibility enhancement.