Effect of Stretching on Ankle and Knee Angles and Gastrocnemius Activity during the Stance Phase of Gait

2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 521-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie A. Johanson ◽  
Brian J. Cuda ◽  
Jonathan E. Koontz ◽  
Julia C. Stell ◽  
Thomas A. Abelew
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Ankle Dorsiflexion ◽  
Heel Strike ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscles ◽  
Experimental Group

Context:Stretching exercises are commonly prescribed for patients and healthy individuals with limited extensibility of the gastrocnemius muscle.Objective:To determine effects of gastrocnemius stretching on ankle dorsiflexion, knee extension, and gastrocnemius muscle activity during gait.Design:Randomized-control trial.Setting:Biomechanical laboratory.Participants:Sixteen volunteers (9 men and 7 women, mean age = 27 y) with less than 5° of passive ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion randomly assigned to an experimental or control group.Intervention:The experimental group performed gastrocnemius stretching for 3 wk.Main Outcome Measures:Maximum ankle dorsiflexion, maximum knee extension, and EMG amplitude of the gastrocnemius muscles were measured between heel strike and heel-off before and after intervention.Results:No significant effect of group or time was found on maximum ankle dorsiflexion, maximum knee extension, or EMG activity of the medial or lateral gastrocnemius muscles between heel strike and heel-off. The experimental group had significantly greater passive ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion bilaterally at posttest than the control group.Conclusions:Stretching did not alter joint angles or gastrocnemius muscle activity in the early to midstance phase of gait.

INFLUENCE OF GENDER ON GASTROCNEMIUS MUSCLE ACTIVITY DURING THE STANCE PHASE OF GAIT

2012 ◽  
Vol 15 (02) ◽  
pp. 1250011
Author(s):  
Thomas A. Abelew ◽  
Brian J. Cuda ◽  
Jonathan E. Koontz ◽  
Julia C. Stell ◽  
Marie A. Johanson
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Stance Phase ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Heel Strike ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Ankle Kinematics ◽  
Stance Time ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscles

Purpose: Differences in muscle activity have been observed between men and women in numerous lower extremity muscles in a variety of activities. These differences may be related to observed differences in the incidence of injuries between men and women. The purpose of this work is to determine if gender had an effect on the activity of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles during the early part of the stance phase of gait. Method: An observational cohort study was set up using sixteen volunteers (9 men and 7 women, mean age = 27 years) with less than 5° of passive ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion. Maximum dorsiflexion, maximum knee flexion, stance time and EMG magnitude were measured for both men and women during early stance (heel strike to heel off). Results: EMG amplitude of the LG muscle in women was significantly higher than that of men. No significant differences were observed between men and women for maximum dorsiflexion, maximum knee flexion or stance time. Conclusions: A gender difference in gastrocnemius muscle EMG magnitude exists that is independent of knee and ankle kinematics and walking speed.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Low-Frequency Stimulation in Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Techniques for Post-Ankle-Sprain Balance and Proprioception in Adults- a Randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
KHALID A ALAHMARI ◽  
Paul Silvian Samuel ◽  
Irshad Ahmad ◽  
Ravi Shankar Reddy ◽  
Jaya Shanker Tedla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Ankle Sprain ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract BackgroundStretching is an important part of post-ankle-sprain rehabilitation, as well as an effective exercise for improving general ankle-joint performance. But the combination of stretching alongside muscle stimulation has not yet been extensively studied. Therefore the purpose of the present research is to compare the baseline, post- and follow-up effects of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching technique combined with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), as compared against the effects of the PNF stretching technique alone.MethodsSixty subjects with lateral ankle sprains were selected and randomly allocated to three groups: Experimental Group One (EG 1), Experimental Group Two (EG 2), and the Control Group (CG). Subjects in EG 1 received the PNF stretching technique combined with TENS. Subjects in EG2 received the PNF stretching technique alone. Both experimental groups received these treatments for 4 weeks (4 days/week); follow-up assessments were administered in the third and fifth weeks. CG received no treatment; outcome measures alone were assessed. Outcome measures comprised pain, flexibility, proprioception, range of motion, muscle strength, physical activity, and balance. A mixed-model ANOVA was used to analyze the effects of time factors and groups on these outcome measures.ResultsThere was significant interaction (time and group), and the time effect for all the outcome measures (p < 0.05). Physical activity, dorsiflexion, and balance in the medial, lateral, anterolateral, and anteromedial directions did not show a significant difference between the groups. EG 1 showed significant improvement for all the outcome variables between pre- and post-treatment and follow-up when compared to the other groups.ConclusionsThe present study showed that a 12-session treatment program of 3 weeks’ duration that combines PNF stretching with low-frequency TENS for post-ankle sprain subjects, compared against PNF stretching alone, produced significant improvements in balance, proprioception, strength, and range of motion. The study also showed that the treatment effect was sustained even after treatment was ceased after the follow-up assessment in the fifth week.Trial Registration:Human Research Ethics Committee approval for the trial (approval no.: (ECM#2019-26)Clinical trial was also registered in the Clinical Trials Registry – ISRCTN 18013941

scholarly journals Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching and Kinesiology Taping on Pelvic Compensation During Double-Knee Extension

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seung-Woong Lee ◽  
Jung-Hoon Lee
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Pelvic Tilt ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation ◽  
Anterior Pelvic Tilt ◽  
Movement Distance ◽  
Baseline Values ◽  
Group Control Group ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract Shortened hamstrings are likely to restrict the anterior pelvic tilt and induce a slumped posture due to the posterior pelvic tilt. This study was conducted to compare the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching and modified anterior pelvic tilt taping (APTT) on hamstring shortness-associated pelvic compensation while executing seated double-knee extension. Male college students (28 healthy young adults; mean age: 21.4 ± 2.1 years) with hamstring shortness were recruited as study subjects and randomly assigned to either the PNF stretching group (control group) or the APTT group (experimental group). In all the subjects, changes in the movement distance of the centre of gluteal pressure (COGP) as well as rectus abdominis (RA) and semitendinosus (SEM) muscle activities were measured during seated double-knee extension while the respective intervention method was applied. Both groups showed significant decreases in COGP distance and RA muscle activity compared with their respective baseline values (p < 0.05), however, no significant changes were observed in SEM muscle activity. We can infer that not only a direct intervention on the hamstring, such as PNF stretching, but also a modified APTT-mediated pelvic intervention may be used as a method for reducing pelvic compensation induced by hamstring shortness.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Warm-Up Routine on the Ankle Injuries Prevention in Young Female Basketball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Medicina ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (10) ◽  
pp. 690
Author(s):  
Elvira Padua ◽  
Agata Grazia D’Amico ◽  
Anas Alashram ◽  
Francesca Campoli ◽  
Cristian Romagnoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Young Female ◽  
Ankle Dorsiflexion ◽  
Core Stability ◽  
Ankle Injuries ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Basketball Players ◽  
Warm Up ◽  
Experimental Group

Background and Objectives: Ankle joint is the most common site of injury for basketball athletes. An effective warm-up (WU) is a period of preparatory exercise to improve training performance and reduce sports injuries. Continuous examination of effective WU routines in basketball players is a necessity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of general and combined warm up on ankle injury range of motion (ROM) and balance in young female basketball players. Materials and Methods: A sample of 28 young female basketball players were randomly allocated to either global warm up control group (GWU) (n = 11) or combined warm up experimental group (CWU) (n = 17). All participants performed 7-min of run. The CWU group performed a single leg stance barefoot with eyes closed, plank forearm position and triceps sural stretching. Participants in GWU performed walking ball handling and core stability using a Swiss ball. Both WU routines were conducted 3 times per week for 10 weeks. Outcome measurements were the Stabilometric platform and dorsiflexion lunge test. Results: Twenty-eight young female basketball players completed the study. Participants in the experimental group improved significantly in the range of motion (ROM) in right and left ankle and the center of pressure displacement (CoP). The control group did not show any changes in ankle dorsiflexion and a significant reduction in all body balance parameters. Conclusions: An 8-min combined warm-up routine for 10 weeks improves the ankle dorsiflexion ROM and CoP displacement that plays a key role in ankle injuries prevention in basketball players. Further studies are strongly needed to verify our findings.

scholarly journals Passive Biaxial Ankle Movement Training with Electrical Stimulation for Ankle Sensorimotor Function in Chronic Stroke

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji-Eun Cho ◽  
Joon-Ho Shin ◽  
Hogene Kim
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Chronic Stroke ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Movement Training ◽  
Ankle Strength ◽  
Ankle Movement ◽  
Ankle Proprioception ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract BackgroundPost stroke had both ankle sensory and motor impairments that affect ankle motor control. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of passive biaxial ankle movement training coupled with electrical stimulation (AMT-EST) on ankle proprioception, ankle strength, balance, and gait in chronic stroke. MethodsThirty-five stroke subjects were randomized to an experimental or control group, and 30 subjects completed the trials. The experimental group received AMT-EST on the affected ankle for 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks, for a total of 20 sessions. The control group received electrical stimulation therapy on the affected ankle. The primary outcome measures were ankle proprioception, passive range of motion, and strength. The secondary outcome measures were balance and gait-related functional abilities. ResultsThe experimental group showed significant post-training improvement in ankle proprioception of eversion, the ankle passive range of motion (inversion and eversion), ankle strength (dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion) Fugl–Meyer Assessment (FM-A), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test, Fall Efficacy Scale, and walking speed (p < 0.05). Significant group×time interactions were observed in ankle passive range of motion (inversion and eversion), ankle strength (dorsiflexion), and FM-A (p < 0.05). All ankle proprioception moderately correlated with ankle passive range of motion (eversion), ankle strength (dorsiflexion and eversion), the BBS, and FM-A (p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe findings suggest that AMT-EST can be proposed as an ankle rehabilitation program for people with chronic stroke with ankle sensorimotor impairment.Trial RegistrationKCT0004688. Registered 01 Jan 2020

scholarly journals Comportamiento de la arquitectura y flexibilidad muscular con el uso de kinesiotape en músculos gastrocnemios acortados en sujetos jóvenes: ensayo clínico randomizado (Behavior of muscle architecture and flexibility with the use of kinesiotape in shorten

Retos ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 344-350
Author(s):  
Carolina Haydée Gajardo Contreras ◽  
Paula Macarena Caballero Moyano ◽  
Cristian Alejandro Caparrós Manosalva ◽  
Jessica Andrea Espinoza Araneda ◽  
Eduardo Jesus Soto Abarca
Keyword(s):  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
The Third ◽  
Young Subjects ◽  
Para Determinar ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscles ◽  
Muscular Architecture ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Ensayo Clínico

  Objetivo: Analizar los efectos del kinesiotape sobre la arquitectura y flexibilidad de los músculos gastrocnemios acortados en sujetos jóvenes durante tres días de aplicación. Método: Veinticinco jóvenes sedentarios con acortamiento del músculo gastrocnemio, fueron asignados aleatoriamente a un grupo experimental (GE=13) intervenido con KT durante 72 horas y a un grupo control (GC=12). Se evaluó la flexibilidad del gastrocnemio y del sóleo. La arquitectura muscular, representada en la longitud del fascículo, grosor y ángulo de penación muscular, fue evaluada con un ultrasonógrafo en Modo B en ambos grupos. Para determinar los efectos de KT, se aplicó una prueba t. Todos los análisis fueron con una significancia p<0.05. Resultados: ultrasonográficos mostraron un aumento significativo en la longitud del fascículo muscular (p=0.021), y una disminución en el grosor (p=0.037) y ángulo de penación (p=0.026) muscular post-intervención con KT en el GE. La flexibilidad de los músculos gastrocnemio y sóleo aumento frente a la aplicación del KT pero sin cambios significativos. No se presentaron diferencias en el análisis entre el GE y GC. Conclusión: La aplicación de KT en sujetos con acortamiento de gastrocnemio, permite una mejor flexibilidad muscular al tercer día de uso, favorecido, posiblemente, por una modificación en la arquitectura muscular.   Abstract: Objetive: To analyze the effects of kinesiotape on the architecture and flexibility of shortened gastrocnemius muscles in young subjects during three days of application. Method: Twenty-five sedentary youth with shortening of the gastrocnemius muscle were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG=13) intervened with KT for 72 hours and to a control group (CG=12). The flexibility of gastrocnemius and soleus was evaluated. The muscular architecture, represented in the length of the fascicle, thickness and angle of muscular pennation, was evaluated with a Mode B ultrasound in both groups. To determine the effects of KT, a t-test was applied. All analyzes were with a significance of p <0.05. Results: The ultrasonographic results showed a significant increase in the length of the muscular fascicle (p=0.021), and a decrease in the thickness (p=0.037) and pennation angle (p=0.026) post-intervention muscle with KT in the EG. The flexibility of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles increased compared to the application of KT but without significant changes. There were no differences in the analysis between the EG and CG. Conclusion: The application of KT in subjects with shortening of gastrocnemius, allows a better muscular flexibility on the third day of use, possibly favored by a modification in the muscular architecture.

scholarly journals Lower Extremity Rehabilitation in Patients with Post-Stroke Sequelae through Virtual Reality Associated with Mirror Therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2654
Author(s):  
Roxana Steliana Miclaus ◽  
Nadinne Roman ◽  
Ramona Henter ◽  
Silviu Caloian
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mirror Therapy ◽  
Cohen’S D ◽  
Cohen's D ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Post Therapy

More innovative technologies are used worldwide in patient’s rehabilitation after stroke, as it represents a significant cause of disability. The majority of the studies use a single type of therapy in therapeutic protocols. We aimed to identify if the association of virtual reality (VR) therapy and mirror therapy (MT) exercises have better outcomes in lower extremity rehabilitation in post-stroke patients compared to standard physiotherapy. Fifty-nine inpatients from 76 initially identified were included in the research. One experimental group (n = 31) received VR therapy and MT, while the control group (n = 28) received standard physiotherapy. Each group performed seventy minutes of therapy per day for ten days. Statistical analysis was performed with nonparametric tests. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test showed that both groups registered significant differences between pre-and post-therapy clinical status for the range of motion and muscle strength (p < 0.001 and Cohen’s d between 0.324 and 0.645). Motor Fugl Meyer Lower Extremity Assessment also suggested significant differences pre-and post-therapy for both groups (p < 0.05 and Cohen’s d 0.254 for the control group and 0.685 for the experimental group). Mann-Whitney results suggested that VR and MT as a therapeutic intervention have better outcomes than standard physiotherapy in range of motion (p < 0.05, Cohen’s d 0.693), muscle strength (p < 0.05, Cohen’s d 0.924), lower extremity functionality (p < 0.05, Cohen’s d 0.984) and postural balance (p < 0.05, Cohen’s d 0.936). Our research suggests that VR therapy associated with MT may successfully substitute classic physiotherapy in lower extremity rehabilitation after stroke.

Does soft tissue mobilization assist static stretching to improve hamstring flexibility? A randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shibili Nuhmani
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Hamstring Flexibility ◽  
Soft Tissue Mobilization ◽  
Experimental Group

AbstractObjectivesObjective of the study is to investigate whether Soft tissue mobilization (STM) can assist with static stretching to improve hamstring flexibly.MethodsThe design of the study was repeated measure design. The study was conducted at the physical therapy laboratory of Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi. Participants included 78 healthy males with hamstring tightness, randomly assigned to either the control group (static stretching) or the experimental group (STM and static stretching). The experimental group received five sets of four different STM techniques, followed by two sets of 30-s static stretches 3 days per week over the course of 12 weeks. The control group received 5 min of sham ultrasound with an inactive probe prior to static stretching. Active knee extension test (AKE) was the outcome measure.ResultsBoth groups showed significant improvement in AKE compared with the baseline measurements. With ingroup analysis showed a significant difference in AKE across all measured time periods (weeks 4, 8, and 12) with pre-test in both groups (p<0.05). No significant difference in AKE improvement was found between groups (p>0.05).ConclusionThe results of this study show that STM prior to static stretching does not significantly improve hamstring flexibility among healthy individuals. Although this study cannot be generalized, the results may be useful for evidence-based practice in the management of hamstring tightness.

scholarly journals Comparison Between Classic and Light Touch Massage on Psychological and Physical Functional Variables in Athletes: a Randomized Pilot Trial

2020 ◽  
pp. 30-37
Author(s):  
Gemma Victoria Espí-López, PT, PhD ◽  
Pilar Serra-Añó, PT, PhD ◽  
Ferran Cuenca-Martínez , PT, MSc ◽  
Luis Suso-Martí, PT, MSc ◽  
Marta Inglés, PT, PhD
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Mood State ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Light Touch ◽  
General Belief ◽  
Massage Group ◽  
Physical Variables ◽  
Hip Flexion

Background: Despite the general belief of the benefits and the widespread use of massage in sport field, there are limited empirical data on possible effectiveness of massage on psychological and physical functional variables. Purpose: The main objective of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of classical and light touch massage on psychological and physical functional variables in athletes. Setting: Athletic club of Valencia Participants: 20 amateur athletes were recruited from two athletic clubs. Research Design: A single-blind, randomized, pilot-placebo trial. Intervention: The subjects were randomly allocated to two different groups: a) Massage group (MG) (n=10); b) Control group (CG) (n=10). The intervention period lasted one month (one session per week). Main Outcome Measures: Assessment of the participants was performed at baseline and 24 hours following the completion of the intervention. Outcome measures included hip flexion, knee extension, and mood state. Results: The results suggest that MG obtained better results on physical variables (p < .05). However, for both groups, trends suggest significant improvements in the overall mood state of the participants (p < .05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that classic massage could be an effective intervention to improve functional physical variables in athletes. However, trends suggest that a light touch intervention could provoke improvements in physiological measures.

scholarly journals Progressive Shoulder Abduction Loading is a Crucial Element of Arm Rehabilitation in Chronic Stroke

2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (8) ◽  
pp. 862-869 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D. Ellis ◽  
Theresa Sukal-Moulton ◽  
Julius P. A. Dewald
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Shoulder Abduction ◽  
Crucial Element ◽  
Change Scores ◽  
Arm Rehabilitation ◽  
Work Area ◽  
Supported Work ◽  
Experimental Group

Background. Total reaching range of motion (work area) diminishes as a function of shoulder abduction loading in the paretic arm in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. This occurs when reaching outward against gravity or during transport of an object. Objectives. This study implements 2 closely related impairment-based interventions to identify the effect of a subcomponent of reaching exercise thought to be a crucial element in arm rehabilitation. Methods. A total of 14 individuals with chronic moderate to severe hemiparesis participated in the participant-blinded, randomized controlled study. The experimental group progressively trained for 8 weeks to actively support the weight of the arm, up to and beyond, while reaching to various outward targets. The control group practiced the same reaching tasks with matched frequency and duration with the weight of the arm supported. Work area and isometric strength were measured before and after the intervention. Results. Change scores for work area at 9 loads were calculated for each group. Change scores were significantly larger for the experimental group indicating a larger increase in work area, especially shoulder abduction loads equivalent to those experienced during object transport. Changes in strength were not found within or between groups. Conclusions. Progressive shoulder abduction loading can be utilized to ameliorate reaching range of motion against gravity. Future work should investigate the dosage response of this intervention, as well as test whether shoulder abduction loading can augment other therapeutic techniques such as goal-directed functional task practice and behavioral shaping to enhance real-world arm function.

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