Effect of a Single Pulsed Shortwave Diathermy Treatment on Extensibility of the Hamstrings
in International Journal of Athletic Therapy and TrainingClick name to view affiliation
Context:
Lack of extensibility of the hamstrings is manifested by a restricion of knee extension range of motion.
Objective:
To quantify the effect of a single pulsed shortwave diathermy treatment on extensibility of the hamstrings.
Participants:
Twenty volunteers with tight hamstrings (< 150° of active knee extension).
Intervention:
Subjects were randomly allocated to receive either a pulsed shortwave diathermy treatment (experimental group) or a simulated pulsed shortwave diathermy treatment that did not produce a deep tissue heating effect.
Main Outcome Measurements:
Measurements of active and passive range of movement were recorded before and after the treatment, as well as the subjective level of discomfort perceived during the passive stretching.
Results:
No statistically signifcant differences were found.
Conclusion:
A single pulsed shortwave diathermy treatment, without stretching, did not increase hamstring extensibility.
Alicia Martínez-Rodríguez, Olalla Bell, and Isabel Yañez-Brage are with the Faculty of Physical Therapy at the University of A Coruña in A Coruña, Spain.
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