title: Immediate effects of Graston Technique on hamstring muscle extensibility and pain intensity in patients with nonspecific low back pain.
abstract: [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of Graston Technique on hamstring extensibility and pain intensity in patients with nonspecific low back pain. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four patients with nonspecific low back pain (27-46 years of age) enrolled in the study. All participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Graston technique group (n=12) and a static stretching group (n=12). The Graston Technique was used on the hamstring muscles of the experimental group, while the static stretching group performed static stretching. Hamstring extensibility was recorded using the sit and reach test, and a visual analog scale was used to measure pain intensity. [Results] Both groups showed a significant improvement after intervention. In comparison to the static stretching group, the Graston technique group had significantly more improvement in hamstring extensibility. [Conclusion] The Graston Technique is a simple and effective intervention in nonspecific low back pain patients to improve hamstring extensibility and lower pain intensity, and it would be beneficial in clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Graduate School, Gachon University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jong Hoon
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Moon
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Semyung University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jin-Hwa
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Shinsung University: 1 Daehak-ro, Jeongmi-myon, Danjin-si, Chungchengnam-do 343-861, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Young Sik
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Won
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Gachon University: 191 Hambangmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 406-799, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hwi-Young
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Cho
keywords: Graston Technique; Hamstring; Nonspecific low back pain