Thesis (M.A.)--Sam Houston State University, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 38-44).

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2009. / Title from PDF title page (viewed Jan. 28, 2010). Includes bibliographical references (p. 23-24).

Thesis (MHSc--Health Science) -- Auckland University of Technology, 2002. / Also held in print (80 leaves, col. ill., 30 cm.) in North Shore Theses Collection (T 612.76 TRE).

Thesis (M.S.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Exercise Sciences, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 53-58).

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / Purpose: The aim of this comparative study was to compare the effects of spinal adjustment with static passive stretch to the cervical spine, and spinal adjustment with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation to the cervical spine in the treatment of chronic posterior neck pain with regards to pain, disability and cervical spine range of motion. These effects were based on a questionnaire consisting of a Numerical Pain Rating Scale, a Vernon-Mior Neck Pain and Disability Index Questionnaire, and on cervical spine ROM readings taken using an analogous cervical spine ROM inclinometer. The questionnaire was completed and the ROM readings taken prior to treatment at the first, fourth and seventh consultation. Method: Thirty participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly diversified in number and gender between two groups of equal size (15 participants each). Group one received spinal adjustment/s to restricted cervical spine joints followed by static passive stretching. The second group received spinal adjustment/s to restricted cervical spine joints followed by proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Participants were treated six times out of a total of seven sessions, over a maximum three week period. Procedure: Subjective data was collected at the beginning of the first and fourth consultations, as well as on the seventh consultation by means of a Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and a Vernon-Mior Neck Pain and Disability Questionnaire in order to assess pain and disability levels. Objective data was collected at the beginning of the first and fourth session, as well as on the seventh consultation by means of a cervical spine range of motion inclinometer in order to assess cervical spine range of motion. Analysis of collected data was performed by a statistician. Results: Clinically significant improvements in group 1 and group 2 were noted over the duration of the study with reference to pain, disability, and cervical spine range of motion. Statistically significant changes were noted in group 1 and group 2 with reference to pain, disability, and cervical spine range of motion over time except for cervical spine extension range of motion.

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / This study aims to determine whether muscle energy technique of the psoas muscle can be used as an effective treatment for low back pain with lower crossed syndrome or whether it is better to be used alone or in conjunction with spinal adjustments with regards to pain and disability, lumbar range of motion and degree of lumbar lordosis. Thirty participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to one of three different groups of ten participants each. Group 1 had muscle energy technique performed on the psoas muscle of each participant. Group 2 received spinal adjustment/s over the restricted joint/s in the lumbar spine. Group 3 received spinal adjustment/s over the restricted joint/s in the lumbar spine in conjunction with muscle energy technique on the psoas muscle. All participants were assessed over a four week period. All groups attended six treatment sessions over three weeks of which muscle energy technique and/or spinal manipulation was performed. In the fourth week only measurements were taken and no treatment was administered.Subjective data was collected at the first and fourth consultations prior to treatment, as well as on the seventh consultation by means of a Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire to assess pain and disability. Objective data was collected at the first and fourth consultations prior to treatment, as well as on the seventh consultation by means of a digital inclinometer for assessing active lumbar range of motion and a flexible ruler for measuring the degree of lumbar lordosis. Analysis of collected data was performed by a statistician.Statistically significant improvements were seen in Groups 1, 2 and 3 over the duration of the study with regards to pain, disability and lumbar range of motion as well as degree of lumbar lordosis. The data gathered in this study showed statistically significant changes in Groups 1, 2, 3 with regards to lumbar range of motion, lumbar lordosis, pain and disability, with Group 3 showing the most statistically significant changes with regard to pain and disability...

[Truncated abstract] First metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ1) motion is an important factor in normal weight transference during walking. Disruptions to normal range can influence joints both proximal and distal to the MTPJ1, potentially leading to pain and dysfunction. Whilst the MTPJ1 has been investigated significantly, the numerous methodologies described to quantify range of motion can be questioned and makes comparisons difficult. Range of MTPJ1 motion is commonly assessed in a clinical setting to determine pathology as well as to make decisions on appropriate intervention. The anatomical and biomechanical influence of tendo Achilles load and MTPJ1 motion has been well described; however few studies measuring MTPJ1 range control for Achilles load or describe ankle joint positioning. Further to this the effects of reducing tendo Achilles stiffness on MTPJ1 extensions has yet to be investigated. The purpose of this study was to describe a technique to quantify passive MTPJ1 extension and to determine the influence of ankle joint position on joint range. Secondly the effect of calf muscle stretching on MTPJ1 range was also investigated. The information gathered will assist both research and clinical protocols for quantifying MTPJ1 range, and provide a greater understanding of the anatomic and biomechanical relationship between tendo Achilles load and MTPJ1 extension. In order to fulfil the purposes of the study it was necessary to establish a reliable methodology to quantify non weight bearing MTPJ1 extension. Reliability testing was undertaken in three parts. '...' The results demonstrated a statistically significant increase in joint range immediately following a one minute stretch for variables ankle joint range of motion as well as MTPJ1 extension for ankle joint plantar flexed at 10 Newton's and ankle joint neutral and plantar flexed at 30 Newtons. No significant differences were noted in ankle or MTPJ1 range of motion in either the control group on immediate re-testing, or in both groups after a one week stretch program. The findings of this study support those documented in the literature pertaining to the ankle joint position, tendo Achilles load and plantar fascial stiffness to MTPJ1 range of motion. Increased stiffness at the MTPJ1 was noted dependant on ankle joint position from ankle joint plantar flexion through to ankle joint dorsiflexion. This appears most likely due to increases in tendo Achilles load and subsequent forces transmitted to the plantar aponeurosis. The present study also demonstrated a trend towards increased joint extensibility and limb dominance. The study also supports previous literature into gender differences and joint extensibility, with a positive trend towards increased MTPJ1 range evident in the female subjects tested. The study also demonstrated the immediate effect of calf muscle stretching on ankle and MTPJ1 range of motion. It remains however unclear as to the exact mechanisms involved in producing increased joint range be it reflex inhibition or actual changes to the viscoelastic properties of the soft tissues. Despite this, no changes were evident following a one week stretching program, which supports previous literature describing a short lag time before soft tissues revert to baseline length properties following a single stretch session.

Stretching is a widely prescribed technique that has been demonstrated to increase range of motion. Consequently it may enhance performance and aid in the prevention and treatment of injury. Few studies have investigated the frequency of stretching on a daily basis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of stretching frequency on range of motion at the ankle joint. The detraining effect was also investigated after a period without stretching. Thirty-one female subjects participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to a control group who did not stretch a group who stretched two times per week (Stretch-2) or a group who stretched four times per week (Stretch-4). The stretching intervention was undertaken over four weeks and targeted the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Each stretch was held for duration of 30 seconds and repeated five times. Prior to the intervention (PRE), dorsiflexion was measured using a weights and pulley system that passively moved the ankle joint from a neutral position into dorsiflexion. After the four week stretching period (POST), dorsiflexion was measured once again to determine the change following the stretching programme. Following a further four week period where no stretching took place (FINAL), dorsiflexion was measured to determine the detraining effect. Electromyography was used to monitor the activity of the plantarflexors and dorsiflexors during the measuring procedure. The results of the study showed a significant increase in ankle joint range of motion for the Stretch-4 group (p<0.05) when comparing PRE and POST measurements. The Stretch-2 and control groups did not show significant differences (p>0.05) between PRE and POST measurements. When comparing the PRE and FINAL measurements of the Stretch-4 group, no significant differences were recorded (p>0.05). The POST and FINAL measurements were significantly different (p<0.05). After the detraining period the Stretch-4 group lost 99.8% of their range of motion gains. The present data provide some evidence that the viscoelastic properties of the muscle stretched were unchanged by the four week static stretching programme. The mechanism involved in the observed increase in range of motion for the Stretch-4 group is possibly that of enhanced stretch tolerance of the subject. Further research is required to support this conjecture.

Stretching is a widely prescribed technique that has been demonstrated to increase range of motion. Consequently it may enhance performance and aid in the prevention and treatment of injury. Few studies have investigated the frequency of stretching on a daily basis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of stretching frequency on range of motion at the ankle joint. The detraining effect was also investigated after a period without stretching. Thirty-one female subjects participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to a control group who did not stretch a group who stretched two times per week (Stretch-2) or a group who stretched four times per week (Stretch-4). The stretching intervention was undertaken over four weeks and targeted the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Each stretch was held for duration of 30 seconds and repeated five times. Prior to the intervention (PRE), dorsiflexion was measured using a weights and pulley system that passively moved the ankle joint from a neutral position into dorsiflexion. After the four week stretching period (POST), dorsiflexion was measured once again to determine the change following the stretching programme. Following a further four week period where no stretching took place (FINAL), dorsiflexion was measured to determine the detraining effect. Electromyography was used to monitor the activity of the plantarflexors and dorsiflexors during the measuring procedure. The results of the study showed a significant increase in ankle joint range of motion for the Stretch-4 group (p<0.05) when comparing PRE and POST measurements. The Stretch-2 and control groups did not show significant differences (p>0.05) between PRE and POST measurements. When comparing the PRE and FINAL measurements of the Stretch-4 group, no significant differences were recorded (p>0.05). The POST and FINAL measurements were significantly different (p<0.05). After the detraining period the Stretch-4 group lost 99.8% of their range of motion gains. The present data provide some evidence that the viscoelastic properties of the muscle stretched were unchanged by the four week static stretching programme. The mechanism involved in the observed increase in range of motion for the Stretch-4 group is possibly that of enhanced stretch tolerance of the subject. Further research is required to support this conjecture.

Thesis (M.S.)--School of Bioengineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2005. Directed by Thomas Burkholder. / Thomas Burkholder, Committee Chair ; Cheng Zhu, Committee Member ; Grace Pavlath, Committee Member. Includes bibliographical references.