Comparison of cyclic and sustained passive stretching using a mechanical device to increase resting length of hamstring muscles.
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of cyclic versus sustained passive stretching with a mechanical device on resting hamstring muscles' length. Group 1 subjects (5 men, 17 women) underwent cyclic stretching of their right hamstring musculature, and Group 2 subjects (5 men, 16 women) underwent sustained stretching of their right hamstring musculature. The stretching procedures were performed for 15 minutes on 5 consecutive days. A follow-up examination of the subjects' relative knee flexion range of motion was made one week posttreatment. The Group 1 subjects had a mean ROM increase of 15.4 +/- 5.0 degrees after the five stretching treatments and maintained a mean ROM increase of 10.4 +/- 5.5 degrees on the follow-up examination (p less than .001). In Group 2, the five stretching treatments resulted in a mean ROM increase of 13.4 +/- 4.4 degrees, and a mean increase of 7.9 +/- 4.0 degrees was maintained on the follow-up examination (p less than .001). Linear regression analysis revealed that initial ROM, sex, and treatment method significantly contributed to increases in ROM from Day 1 of treatment to the follow-up examination (F = 6.04; df = 4,36; p less than .0008). The cyclic stretching method resulted in a greater gain in ROM when the other variables were considered. Predicted values of ROM increases were also examined and discussed.
Starring
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DT
Division of Physical Therapy, School of Community and Allied Health, University of Alabama, Birmingham 35294.
Gossman
M R
MR
Nicholson
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GG
Lemons
J
J
D000328:Adult; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D009126:Muscle Relaxation; D009132:Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors; D013848:Thigh; D013997:Time Factors