title: The Effects of Doming of the Diaphragm in Subjects With Short-Hamstring Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
abstract: Taking into account the complex structure of the diaphragm and its important role in the postural chain, the authors were prompted to check the effects of a diaphragm technique on hamstring flexibility.
  
  
  
  To evaluate the effects of the doming-of-the-diaphragm (DD) technique on hamstrings flexibility and spine mobility.
  
  
  
  Randomized placebo-controlled trial.
  
  
  
  University laboratory.
  
  
  
  Sixty young adults with short-hamstring syndrome were included in this randomized clinical trial using a between-groups design.
  
  
  
  The sample was randomly allocated to a placebo group (n = 30) or an intervention group (n = 30). Duration, position, and therapist were the same for both treatments.
  
  
  
  Hamstring flexibility was assessed using the forward-flexion-distance (FFD) and popliteal-angle test (PAT). Spinal motion was evaluated using the modified Schober test and cervical range of movement.
  
  
  
  Two-way ANOVA afforded pre- to postintervention statistically significant differences (P < .001) in the intervention group compared with the placebo group for hamstring flexibility measured by the FFD (mean change 4.59 ± 5.66 intervention group vs 0.71 ± 2.41 placebo group) and the PAT (mean change intervention group 6.81 ± 8.52 vs placebo group 0.57 ± 4.41). Significant differences (P < .05) were also found in the modified Schober test (mean change intervention group -1.34 ± 3.95 vs placebo group 1.02 ± 3.05) and cervical range of movement. Significant between-groups differences (P < .05) were also found in all the variables measured.
  
  
  
  The DD technique provides sustained improvement in hamstring flexibility and spine mobility.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Physiotherapy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
authors.forename: Marie Carmen
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Valenza
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Cabrera-Martos
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Torres-Sánchez
authors.forename: Aurelio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Garcés-García
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mateos-Toset
authors.forename: Gerald
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Valenza-Demet
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises / Q000379:methods*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D018583:Pliability; D011187:Posture; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013131:Spine / Q000503:physiopathology; D055815:Young Adult