Immediate effect of stretching and ultrasound on hamstring flexibility and proprioception

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 28; no. 6; pp. 1806 - 1808
• Main Authors: Cho, Sung-Hak, Kim, Soo-Han
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 2016
• Subjects: Flexibility; Original; Self-myofascial release; Ultrasound; Self-myofascial release; Flexibility; Ultrasound
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.28.1806

[Purpose] This research explored the positive effects of self-myofascial release on hamstring muscular flexibility and proprioception and investigated the effectiveness of the stretch combined with therapeutic ultrasound. [Subjects and Methods] This study included 30 healthy university students with no history of pain in the Achilles tendon or hamstring within the recent 6 months. Each participant completed two experiments. In the first experiment (MS), they completed self-myofascial stretching using a foam roller for 7 days. In the second experiment (MSU), the same participants performed the self-myofascial stretching after the 15-minute application of ultrasound. This study involved a pre- and post-test on hamstring muscle flexibility and hip joint proprioception. [Results] The use of self-myofascial stretching in the MS experiment had a significant effect on hamstring muscle flexibility and hip joint proprioception. However, the addition of ultrasound in the MSU experiment had no additive effect. [Conclusion] Self-myofascial stretching immediately increased hamstring muscle flexibility and improved hip joint proprioception, but the addition of pre-stretch ultra sound provided no further benefit.