ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Muscle flexibility is described as the ability of the muscle to extend its fibers, influencing joint mobility. Diathermy applied to the muscles prepares the body for physical activity, by accelerating the metabolism of the muscle fibers and decreasing the intramuscular resistance, thereby increasing the range of motion and the mechanical efficiency. Cryotherapy has various physiological functions when applied to the human body, which, together, provide muscle relaxation.
Objective:
To evaluate the flexibility of hamstring muscles by applying passive stretching associated with hot and cold thermotherapy.
Methods:
This study consisted of 24 volunteers of both sexes randomly divided into three groups: passive stretching group (G1), cryotherapy preceding passive stretching group (G2) and diathermy preceding passive stretching group (G3). The volunteers were evaluated for range of motion by goniometry of hip flexion with the knee extended, with an initial assessment carried out before starting the protocol and revaluations at the end of each of the four weeks of intervention.
Results:
There was significant increase in hip flexion in G2 and G3 compared to G1. There was no statistical difference between G2 and G3.
Conclusion:
The use of diathermy and cryotherapy associated with passive stretching is favorable for increasing muscular flexibility and hence the amplitude of motion in healthy young adults.
Keywords:
muscle stretching exercise; cryotherapy; diathermy, range of motion, articular
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