Effects of Deep Friction Vs Stretching Techniques

Effect of Deep Transverse Friction Massage Versus Stretching Techniques on Performance Among Lebanese and Syrian Football Players

Flexibility, agility and muscle strength are key factors to either win or lose a game. Recently the effect of a new technique, deep transverse friction massage (DTFM), on muscle extensibility, strength and agility and injury occurrence has been examined, as compared to traditional stretching techniques.

Background: Flexibility, agility and muscle strength are key factors to either win or lose a game. Recently the effect of a new technique, deep transverse friction massage (DTFM), on muscle extensibility, strength and agility and injury occurrence has been examined, as compared to traditional stretching techniques.

Hypothesis/Purpose: To compare the effect of DTFM vs static and dynamic stretching techniques on hamstrings extensibility, agility and strength among Lebanese and Syrian football players.

Study Design: This study is a single-blinded prospective longitudinal randomized control trial (RCT).

Methods: Football players were randomized into three intervention groups. Straight leg raise (SLR), T-drill, and 1 repetition maximum (RM) tests were used to measure extensibility, agility and maximal muscle strength respectively.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male
• Football player
• Physically active (1 to 3 hours of football per week).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Under the age of 18 and over 35 years who presented with an injury to the musculoskeletal system.