The effects of Therapeutic Application of Heat or Cold Followed by Static Stretch on Hamstring Flexibility Post Burn Contracture

Objective : The purpose of this study was to determine the best warming up modality prior to static stretching exercises to increase flexibility in post burn contracture of the hamstring muscle, as measured by knee extension range of motion.

Materials and methods: Thirty male patients ranging in age from 18 to 27 years and who had decreased hamstring muscle flexibility as a result of partial thickness burn were classified into 3 equal groups 10 of each, Group (1): received 1 minutes of stretching exercise in addition to ultrasound , Group (2): received 1 minutes of stretching exercise in addition to cold application. And Group (3): received 1 minutes of sating stretching only. All groups received stretching exercises 5 days per week for 8 weeks. Measurements of knee extension range of motion were conducted before treatment, post 2 weeks of treatment, and after 4 weeks of treatment.

Results: The one way analysis of variance was used to compare knee extension range of motion which revealed that both treatment group (ultrasound and cold application) had significant (P< 0.05) gains in knee extension ROM after 2 and 4 weeks post stretching exercises.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that either deep hot or cold application in addition to stretching exercise is more effective than static stretching alone to improve a hamstring muscle.