Effects of a Single Session Graston Technique on Hamstring Flexibility and Muscle Stiffness of Recreationally Active Individuals

Abstract

This study is an attempt to provide support for the clinical use of a single session Graston Technique intervention to improve flexibility and decrease musculotendinous stiffness (MTS). Thirty subjects were recruited to participate in the study from the Oklahoma State University Athletic Training Education Program and related Master's programs. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups and completed either a Graston Technique (n=17) or Control (n=12) intervention and were passively stretched to their maximum range of motion (ROM) seven times (pre-intervention, post-intervention, 10-, 20-, & 30- minutes post-intervention, as well as 48-, & 72- post-intervention) using a Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer to assess for MTS, passive torque, and maximum ROM. Due to corrupt data of one subject's files, only twenty-nine of the subjects were analyzed. Only the first six time points were analyzed due to subjects being unable to complete data collection of the 72hr time point. Results for MTS presented only a main-effect for joint-angle, implying that as with previous literature MTS increased as joint angle increased. Statistical analysis for flexibility presented that maximum ROM was greater at 30 minutes post-intervention than pre-intervention (p ≤ 0.001), post-intervention (p ≤ 0.001), and 10-minutes post-intervention (p = 0.002). However, subjects gravitated towards baseline @ 48-hours post-intervention. Results of this study suggest that a single-session GT intervention would present no significant short-term or long-term effects on MTS of flexibility.