Effect of a single pulsed shortwave diathermy treatment on extensibility of the hamstrings

Abstract

[Abstract] 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 significant differences were found. Conclusion: A single pulsed shortwave diathermy treatment, without stretching, did not increase hamstring extensibility.