engleski

Acute effects of gravitational stretching in the position of Modified Thomas Test on changes in range of motion in hip and knee joints

Optimal range of motion (ROM) in a joint can improve sports performance and decrease possibility of injury. In kinesiological practice, consisting of physical conditioning and kinesitherapy, ROM is most often achieved by stretching exercise. Modified Thomas Test (MTT) has not yet been used as an intervention for stretching to increase ROM, but only as a test for evaluation of ROM in hip&knee joints. The goal was to determine acute effects of intervention of gravitational stretching of two-joint and one-joint flexors of hip&knee on changes in ROM in the MTT position, by an objective measurement instrument, on young, physically active persons (n=54). Subjects were held in MTT position, and sole force leading to movement of hip&knee joints was a weight of tested extremity. Final results after the intervention were recorded. Identical procedure was repeated for the other extremity. Main results show that 120 seconds of gravitational stretching acutely increases ROM in the hip joint for 4.9° on average, while ROM in knee has decreased for 2.1° on average, and both results have shown statistical significance. MTT, as an intervention for stretching of one- joint hip flexors, is recomended, but not for two-joint flexors, which need another exercise to yield positive effects.

stretching, optoelectronic kinematic measurement system, range of motion, Modified Thomas Test

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