Effect of Therapeutic Techniques on Leg Stretching in Healthy Subjects

Effect of Different Therapeutic Techniques on the Flexibility of ischiotíbial in Healthy Individuals

There are physiotherapy techniques, known as lumbar mobilization, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, massage therapy, windsheets and foam roller that present good results in stretching the legs. This study aims to evaluate which of these techniques has a better result in leg stretching. It is believed that massage therapy and lumbar mobilization will provide better results.

A randomized clinical trial blind crossover. The aim of this study is comparing the immediate effect of five interventions on the flexibility of hamstrings in healthy individuals. Participants will be assessed pre and post intervention through the extended leg elevation test and photogrammetry. The techniques of unilateral lumbar mobilization, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, massage, ventosa therapy and foam roller will be applied on different days with a 48-hour interval between interventions. The techniques will be compared using the repeated measures ANOVA after verification of normality by the Shapiro-Wilk test, adopting the significance level of 5% and 95% confidence interval.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 to 35 years of age.
• No pain in the posterior thigh.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Volunteers who present deep venous thrombosis.
• Cutaneous allergy.
• Cutaneous lesion.
• Posterior thigh edema.
• Lower limb prosthesis.
• Shoulder or wrist injuries.
• Phobia of the techniques.
• Scarring in the posterior region of the thigh
• Have performed myofacial release or stretches during the days of intervention.
• Pilates and yoga practitioners
• No attend every day intervention.
• Injury of hamstrings in the last year.
• Previous injuries to the spine or lower limbs in the last 6 months.
• Symptoms of low back pain or hip joint.
• Diabetes mellitus, since people with diabetes have limited responses in the elevated leg elevation test.