One way for runners to improve their performance and remain injury free is to preserve and improve joint mobility, especially at the hips. The femoroacetabular joints are a pivotal part of the running gait allowing the athlete to fully extend their leg to generate sufficient force in each stride. Improving hip range of motion can help reduce or prevent groin pain, make the runner more comfortable while running, improve running longevity, and prevent injuries. Thus, it is clear that a runner's commitment to improving the range of motion of their hips is crucial for both the enhancement of their performance and prevention of injury. Researchers assessed how the hip, and its biomechanics, can be impacted by Osteopathic medical treatment.

The primary research question investigated is how Spencer Technique for the hip impacts femoral acetabular active range of motion (AROM) in flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation in those training 4 weeks for a 5K race. This study investigated the effect that 4 weeks of twice weekly, bilateral, Spencer Technique treatment had on femoroacetabular range of motion. During this 4-week period participant exercise and stretching habits in preparation for the 5k race were recorded.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All LECOM-Bradenton students will be included in recruitment.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects will be excluded from this research study if they cannot sign an informed consent. Additionally, subjects will be excluded if they are:

  • Pregnant or plan to become pregnant

  • Have a past medical history including:

    • Skin disorders or open wounds precluding skin contact
    • Neurological symptoms (i.e. numbness, tingling, weakness)
    • Recent bone fracture
    • Recent lower extremity ligamentous sprain
    • Recent lower extremity muscle strain
    • Adhesive capsulitis of the hip joint
    • Osteoarthritis of the lower extremity
    • Rheumatoid arthritis
    • History of hip or knee arthroplasty
    • 1 year history of any lower extremity surgery
    • Gout
    • Iliotibial band syndrome
    • Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
    • Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
    • Hip dysplasia
    • Avascular necrosis of the hip
    • Chronic hip bursitis
    • Hip dislocation
    • Osteoporosis/osteopenia
    • Severe Femoroacetabular impingement
    • Use of heel lift due to leg length discrepancy
    • Immunosuppressive syndromes
    • Radiation or chemotherapy within the past 3 years
    • Congestive heart failure
    • Unable to complete a 5 kilometer race after the 4 weeks of training
    • Down syndrome
    • Have been told by a physician or other medical professional that you should not participate in aerobic training activities.
    • Have medication changes in the last month
    • Run 30+ miles per week regularly

Single blinded study