The effects of massage to the hamstring muscle group on range of motion

This study was designed to measure the effect on range of motion of a single massage treatment to the hamstring muscle group. Thirty-four normal female subjects between 18 and 35 years of age were given a 9- 12 minute massage treatment to the posterior aspect of one randomly assigned lower extremity. Passive range of motion of both lower extremities was measured by taking the perpendicular distance from the lateral malleolus to the table surface in a straight leg raise and by conventional goniometry for hip flexion and knee extension. Measurements were taken pre-, and post-, and 7-days postmassage treatment. Immediate postmassage increases in range of motion were noted in the test group (massaged) legs with significance at the 0.05 level. The possible uSe of this treatment in athletics and pathological conditions are discussed. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1984;6(3):168-172.