The acute effects of different hamstring muscle stretching techniques on reducing muscle resistance to movement by ultrasound elastography.

OBJECTIVE: Many stretching methods are applied on the hamstring muscles for reducing muscle resistance on movement. The aim of our study to investigate the acute effects of static stretching and the Mulligan traction straight leg raise (TSLR) technique administered to the hamstring muscles on reducing its resistance to movement. METHODS: The study included 22 healthy male volunteers (19.5 ± 0.98 years). After the individuals were randomly divided into two groups, static stretching was administered to the hamstring muscles in the first group and the Mulligan TSLR technique was administered on the same muscle in the second group. Active knee extension angles of the individuals were evaluated by a digital goniometer and muscle strain was assessed by ultrasound elastography. RESULTS: While there was a significant difference in all parameters in both groups after the treatment, the changes in the active knee extension angle and the strain index value of the biceps femoris musculotendinous junction were higher in the Mulligan TSLR group compared to the static stretching group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that, static stretching and the Mulligan TSLR technique administered to the hamstring muscles are effective ways to increase the range of motion. The Mulligan TSLR technique, however, can be opted in healthy individuals and patients since it is painless and more effective in reducing muscle resistance to movement and range of motion.

Mobilization with movement and kinesio taping in knee arthritis-evaluation and outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of Mulligan mobilization with movement (MwM) and taping on function and pain intensity in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female patients aged between 40 and 70 years with knee OA participated in the study. The patients were divided into three groups and each group received different interventions. Group 1 received MwM and taping according to Mulligan's concept. Group 2 received MwM and placebo taping with no recovery effect and group 3 received placebo taping. Functional tests including lifting, picking up, sit and stand-up, socket tests in addition to climbing up and down stairs, ten metres walk, and timed up and go (TUG) tests were performed before and after intervention. Pain during the test performances were assessed by a visual analog scale. RESULTS: Performance in all tests improved significantly in the MwM + taping group, while only sit and stand-up, ten metres walk, and TUG test performances improved in the MwM + placebo taping group (p < 0.05). Pain intensity during the tests was also significantly better after intervention in those two groups (p < 0.05). Comparison between the groups showed that the pain intensity during all tests was less and functional test scores were better in sit and stand-up, ten metres walk, and walking down stairs in the MwM + taping group than the MwM + placebo taping group. CONCLUSIONS: MwM accompanied by taping improves pain during functional activities as well as the performance. MwM without taping may also improve pain intensity; however, it may be inadequate in increasing the performance.

The effects of reflexology on constipation and motor functions in children with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: There is no evidence regarding the effects of reflexology on constipation and motor functions in children with cerebral palsy. This study was planned to investigate the effects of reflexology combined with neurodevelopmental therapy on constipation and motor functions in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: Forty children between the ages of 3 and 15 years with cerebral palsy within levels 3/4/5 according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) were included in the study. The participants were divided into two groups. While children in Group 1 received neurodevelopmental therapy, children in Group 2 also received reflexology. The therapy continued for two sessions per week for 8 weeks. Each session of neurodevelopmental therapy lasted for 45-60 min and reflexology took around 20 min. Motor performance of the children was evaluated with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) while constipation was assessed with the Modified Constipation Assessment Scale (MCAS). RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements in the GMFM scores after therapy (<0.001). In the group where neurodevelopmental therapy was applied together with reflexology, there was a decrease in MCAS scores (<0.001). CONCLUSION: NGT improved motor performance in both groups and adding reflexology to therapy had a positive effect on constipation. We suggest applying reflexology to children with cerebral palsy who experience constipation problems.

Effects of chest physiotherapy and aerobic exercise training on physical fitness in young children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis is a multisystem disease where the main problems are existing in the respiratory system. Aerobic exercise programs are effective in increasing physical fitness and muscle endurance in addition to chest physiotherapy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chest physiotherapy and aerobic exercise training on physical fitness in young children with cystic fibrosis. METHODS: Sixteen patients with cystic fibrosis, between the ages 5-13 years, were included in this study. All children were assessed at the beginning and at the end of 6 week of the training. Modified Bruce protocol was used for assessing the cardiovascular endurance. The sit-up test was used to evaluate the dynamic endurance of abdominal muscles, standing long jump was used to test power, sit and reach, trunk lateral flexion, trunk hyperextension, trunk rotation and forward bending tests were used to assess flexibility, 20 m shuttle run test and 10-step stair climbing tests were used to assess power and agility. All patients received chest physiotherapy and aerobic training, three days a week for six weeks. Active cycle of breathing technique and aerobic exercise training program on a treadmill were applied. RESULTS: By evaluating the results of the training, positive progressions in all parameters except 20 m shuttle run and 10 stairs climbing tests were observed (p < 0.05). Active cycle of breathing techniques were used together with exercise training in clinically stable cystic fibrosis patients increases thoracic mobility (p < 0.05) and the physical fitness parameters such as muscle endurance, strength and speed (p < 0.05). Comparison of the results in sit and reach and forward bending tests were not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: It is thought that in addition to medical approaches to the systems affected, the active cycle of breathing techniques along with aerobic training helps to enhance the aerobic performance, thoracic mobility and improves physical fitness in children with cystic fibrosis.