• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.38-42
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• 2014

Objective: In this study, we applied a neurodynamic sciatic nerve sliding technique to healthy adults to elucidate its effects on hamstring flexibility and postural balance. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: This study targeted twenty four healthy adults (16 men, 8 women). A neurodynamic sciatic nerve sliding technique was applied 5 times to all subjects' dominant leg. The subjects were asked to sit on the bed while performing cervical and thoracic flexion, as well as knee flexion with ankle plantar flexion. Then, they were asked to perform cervical and thoracic extension and knee extension with their ankle in dorsiflexion and maintain the position for 60 s. For postural balance, we measured postural sway while the subjects maintained a one-legged standing posture using the Good Balance System and measured the hip joint flexion range of motion using a standardized passive straight leg raise (SLR) test. Results: SLR test increased significantly from $79^{\circ}$ before the intervention to $91.67^{\circ}$ after the intervention (p<0.05). Regarding the participants' balance evaluated using the one-legged standing test, the X-speed decreased significantly from 18.61 mm/s to 17.17 mm/s (p<0.05), the Y-speed decreased from 22.28 mm/s to 20.52 mm/s (p<0.05), and the velocity moment was significantly decreased from $89.33mm^2/s$ to $74.99mm^2/s$ after the intervention (p<0.05). Conclusions: Application of the neurodynamic sciatic nerve sliding technique exhibited improved hamstring flexibility and postural balance of healthy adults.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.30-37
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• 2020

Background: To prevent or reduce the risk of strain injury, various approaches, including stretching techniques are currently being used. The effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and static stretching on flexibility has been demonstrated; however, it is not clear which one is superior. Objects: This study aimed to evaluate the differences between the effects of PNF and static stretching performed at various intensities on muscle flexibility. Methods: The maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the hamstrings using the PNF stretching technique was performed in the P100 group, while 70% of the MVIC was performed in the P70 group. The MVIC value obtained during the PNF stretching in both groups was used as a reference for setting the intensity of static stretching. Static stretching was performed at 130% (S130), 100% (S100), and 70% of the MVIC (S70). The active knee extension (AKE) values, defined as the knee flexion angle were measured before stretching (baseline), immediately after stretching (post), and at 3 minutes, 6 minutes, and 15 minutes. Results: PNF stretching produce a greater improvement in flexibility compared with static stretching. Specifically, the ΔAKE was significantly higher in the S100 and S70 groups than in the P100 group at Post. In the comparison of ΔAKE over time in each group, the ΔAKE at Post showed a significant decrease compared to the value at Baseline in the S130 group; however, no significant difference was observed at 6 minutes while a significant increase was noted at 15 minutes. Conclusion: This study found that PNF stretching is more effective than static stretching with respect to increasing and maintaining the flexibility of muscles. In addition, the increase in flexibility at maximal intensity was similar to that observed at submaximal intensity during both PNF and static stretching.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.455-463
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• 2014

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of Graston and self-myofascial release (SMR) techniques on knee joint flexibility, hamstring, and quadriceps strength. METHODS: Twenty subjects with hamstring shortness participated in this study. The subjects were assigned randomly to one of two groups: The Graston technique (GT) group received intervention using a Graston instrument for one minute, and the SMR group performed self-exercises using a foam roll for one minute. The range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint was measured by active knee extension test, and a handheld dynamometer was utilized to collect the hamstring and quadriceps muscle strength. This experiment was performed by two physical therapists. The significant level was set at ${\alpha}$=0.05. RESULTS: The results were as follows: 1) The ROM of the knee joint and quadriceps muscle strength were significantly increased in both groups. 2) Hamstring muscle strength was significantly reduced in both groups. 3) There were no significant differences between the GT group and SMR group for any variable. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that SMR is an effective and easy technique for restoring proper muscle length and strength in subjects with hamstring shortness. We recommend that SMR technique be used for treat hamstring shortness in clinical setting and home-program.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.266-272
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• 2019

Purpose: This study compared the effects of Static stretching and Mulligan's Two-leg rotation about the Hamstring flexibility, Hip range of motion, and pain. Methods: The subjects were allocated randomly into two groups: Static stretching group (n=13) and Mulligan's two leg rotation group (n=14). The study was designed with stretching protocols for four minutes and thirty seconds per day five times a week for three weeks in total. Measurements, including the Sit and reach test, Active/Passive Straight leg raise, and Visual analogue scale, were conducted before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using a paired t-test and independent t-test. Results: The flexibility of the two leg rotation group was higher than the static stretching group after the intervention. The post-sit and reach test value of the two leg rotation group was significantly higher than the pre-sit and reach test value of the static stretching group. In addition, the variance of the sit and reach test of the two leg rotation group was significantly higher than that of the static stretching group. Conclusion: These results showed that two leg rotation techniques have a positive effect on the changes in the sit and reach test and active straight leg raise test. Two leg rotation techniques can be recommended as a self-stretching and easier way to stabilize the lumbopelvic rhythm, reduce the stiffness of the muscle and relieve pain. This is effective in preventing muscle damage, enabling muscle relaxation and reducing the risk of injury to the spine during daily lives and in sports activities.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.73-78
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• 2000

The Sit-and-Reach Test (SRT) is commonly nea to assess flexibility of the spine and length of the hamstring muscle, The purpose of this study was to describe hamstring muscle length as reflected by use of the SRT, the Hip Joint Angle (HJA) and Sack length(from C7 to S2) in children, to examine the correlation between Back length, SRT and HJA measurements and to examine gender differences. The 162 subjects were participated without known musculoskeletal and neurological impairments of their spine or lower exeremities. In the Long-silting position, the Back length, SRT and HJA measurements were obtained. A mean Back length value of 46.2cm, a mean SRT value of 29.4cm and a mean HJA of 77,0 degrees were obtained including all subjects. There was a strong correlation between the SRT and HJA measurements (r=.66). There were a difference between boys and girls in Back(p=.0019) and HJA measurements (p=.015). The results of this study suggest that measurements for the SRT and HJA were correlated than Back. The HJA measurements guide treatment more effectively than do Back length and SRT measurements.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.35-40
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• 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of applying self-myofascial release (SMR) to the plantar fascia using a foam roller on hamstring and lumbar spine superficial back line (SBL). Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty-one healthy adults agreed to the method and purpose of the study. Selection and exclusion criteria were screened, and baseline measurements for the Toe Touch test and passive straight leg raise (PSLR) test were obtained. The participants were then randomly assigned to the SMR group or the sham group. After group assignment, the SMR group rolled the surface of the foot from the heel to the metatarsal head using a foam roller for 5 minutes. The sham group received passive mobilization of the ankle joint in the supine position. Afterwards, the Toe Touch test and the passive straight leg-raise test were re-assessed. Results: In the SMR group, the Toe Touch test results showed significant improvement (p<0.05). Left and right PSLR test results showed a significant increase (p<0.05). In the sham group, there was no significant difference between pre and post-test results. The SMR group showed a significant difference in the PSLR test and Toe Touch test compared to the sham group (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that SMR on the plantar fascia was immediately effective for improving the flexibility of the SBL of the lumbar spine and hamstring.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.64-71
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• 2009

Purpose: to purpose prevent to dysfunction and decrease to pain level use to active therapeutic movement and sling manual, stability exercise in shortening hamstring chronic back patient. Methods: The patient's complain was Buttock and Lower Back Pain due to dysfunction posture work. The subject's initial Pain Scale was 60 of 100(VAS). The Subject Treatment to Sling Mobility exercise, Home exercise, ATM, Sling Stability exercise, sensory motor training During 8weeks for 18 times. Results: The result was Visual Analog Scale(VAS)was decreased 10 of 100 after treatment. Conclusion: Visual Analog Scale(VAS)was decreased 10 of 100 after treatment. Functional Leg Length Was recover to same level. Trunk Flexibility was increase to 18cm. Active Knee Extension ankle was decrease to $15^{\circ}$ limit range of motion due to Lt. Hamstring Shortening limit range of motion $30^{\circ}$. GPS(Gobal Postural System)test was recover to same level. This case study need to sufficient data and times.

• The Journal of Korea Institute of Information, Electronics, and Communication Technology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.65-69
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• 2015

Joint flexibility is an important factor which affect the process and duration of the therapeutic methods in the filed of occupational therapy. Hip joint flexibility and electromyography (EMG) of major flexor and extensor for the hip joint were examined to understand the biomechanical characteristics of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF). Hip joint flexibility increased $18.9^{\circ}$ on average after PNF was performed by a designated assistant on 10 college students. EMGs of quadriceps femoris muscle and hamstring muscles agreed with biomechanical characteristics of proprioceptive organs in muscles.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.1-11
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• 2019

PURPOSE: This study compared the changes in the range of motion (ROM ) on the knee joint according to three different isometric contraction intensities when applying Evjenth - Hamberg stretching (EHS) to the hamstring muscles of healthy subjects. METHODS: Forty eight healthy subjects aged between 20 and 39 years were allocated randomly to four groups; performing EHS at 10% maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) group, EHS at 50% MVIC group, EHS at 100% MVIC group, and control group (CG) pre-, and post-intervention. The flexibility of the hamstring muscles was evaluated using a digital goniometer for measuring the knee joint ROM motion. A Chattanooga stabilizer was used to adjust the MVIC intensity by 10%, 50%, and 100%, respectively. RESULTS: These results show that the pre- and post-intervention knee joint ROM were significantly different in all four groups (p<.05). The post-intervention knee joint ROM showed a significant difference between the 100% MVIC group and non-MVIC group (p<.05). The knee joint ROM difference between the pre- and post-interventions was similar in the 10% MVIC and 50% MVIC groups but significant differences were observed among the other groups (p<.05). CONCLUSION: EHS of the hamstring muscles was effective in improving the knee joint ROM with an isometric contraction intensity of 10%, 50%, or 100% MVIC, and of these, 100% MVIC was most effective.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.223-230
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• 2020

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of tools (i., extracorporeal shock wave therapy, massage gun, and foam roller) on range of motion, muscle tone and pain threshold among patients with hamstring stiffness. Methods : Fourteen participants with hamstrings stiffness were recruited. Interventions were performed 6 times, and each session was for 30 seconds using the three tools. The range of motion, muscle tone, and pain threshold were measured. The order of the use of the three tools was randomly determined. The foam roller was made to move from the bottom of the hip crease to the upper part of the back of the hamstring. Additionally, velocity 5 vibration stimulation was performed on the hamstring using a massage gun. Moreover, vibration stimulation was performed on the hamstring with extracorporeal shock wave therapy 5 minutes, 5 Hz, and 1,500 strokes. The flexibility of the posterior thigh muscle was based on maintaining the knee and hip joints in a 90 ° bend in the supine position. The joint angle of the knee was measured, when the knee was actively extended, at the maximum point where the posterior thigh muscle was stretched. The elasticity of the posterior thigh muscle was measured while the subject was prone and in a relaxed state without any force. Measurements were made at the muscle abdominal area of the semitendinosus muscle of the posterior femur, and the area to be measured was marked with a pen. The measurement of the tenderness threshold of the posterior femur was measured using a tenderness meter(Commander Algometer, J-Tech, USA). The force value at the point at which the pressure sensation change to pain was measured after applying vertical pressure to the posterior femur muscle, which was the halfway point between the ischial tuberosity and the popliteal surface of the subject lying on their stomach. Results : The extracorporeal shock wave therapy increased stiffness and, muscle tone, and caused changes in the pain threshold, whereas the other two tools had no effect on these indices. Conclusion : Extracorporeal shock wave therapy has important effects on range of motion and muscle stiffness and can be used in warmup protocols.