A movimentação escapular é de grande importância para o funcionamento adequado do ombro. Indivíduos com disfunção no ombro apresentam uma diminuição da rotação superior e da inclinação posterior e um aumento da rotação interna da escápula durante a elevação do braço. Vários fatores estão envolvidos na alteração da cinemática escapular. Um deles é o encurtamento do músculo peitoral menor, sendo que indivíduos com comprimento de repouso reduzido desse músculo apresentaram diminuição da inclinação posterior e aumento da rotação interna da escápula durante o movimento do braço. Tal alteração cinemática é similar à apresentada por sujeitos com disfunção do ombro e pode ser um fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de sintomas. Portanto, o objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a influência de um programa de alongamento da musculatura do aspecto anterior do ombro na cinemática escapular. O sistema eletromagnético de aquisição de dados foi utilizado para avaliar a cinemática escapular pré e pós um programa de alongamento da musculatura do aspecto anterior do ombro. Esse programa foi composto por três repetições de três exercícios de 30 segundos e teve duração de quatro semanas. O modelo linear de efeitos mistos foi utilizado para análise estatística das comparações entre as avaliações pré e pós-programa de alongamento. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as avaliações antes e após a intervenção do estudo. Tal resultado sugere que o alongamento sozinho não é capaz de alterar a movimentação escapular, mas pode ser que contribua para o aumento da inclinação posterior se associado com outras intervenções. / The adequate scapular motion is very important to the shoulders function. Subjects with shoulder dysfunction present decreased scapular upward rotation and posterior tilt and increased scapular internal rotation during arm elevation. Many mechanisms are involved in scapular kinematics alteration. One of them is the pectoralis minor muscle shortening. Healthy subjects with relative short pectoralis minor resting length presented decreased upward rotation and increased internal rotation when compared with individuals with relative long resting length of this muscle. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the anterior shoulder aspect musculature stretching on scapular kinematics. The electromagnetic tracking device was utilized for kinematics analysis before and after a stretching program of the anterior shoulder aspect musculature. This program was composed by three repetition of three 30 seconds exercises and lasted for four weeks. The linear mixed effects model was used for statistical analysis of the comparison between pre and post stretching program evaluations. There was not a statistically significant difference between the pre and post intervention evaluations, Such outcome suggest that stretching alone cannot alter the scapular motion, but may contribute to the increase in posterior tilt if associates with others interventions.

M. Tech. / OBJECTIVE: To determine the most effective treatment protocol in the treatment of Upper Crossed Syndrome by comparing objective results gained from Spinal Manipulative Therapy and a stretching program only and a combination of these treatments directed at the shoulder girdle and cervical spine. DESIGN: The study was a clinical trial in which three experimental groups of fifteen participants each were compared to each other. These participants were recruited from the local general population and were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria, presenting with Upper Crossed Syndrome and demonstrating unremarkable clinical and radiological findings.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Dept.of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003 xv, 93 leaves / Plantar Fasciitis (PF) is a common injury, and one which is known to be stubborn to many forms of treatment. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of manipulation of the subtalar joint combined with static stretching of the Triceps Surae muscles compared to manipulation alone in the treatment of PF. Studies have shown chiropractic manipulation to be effective in treating this overuse injury, and gastro-soleus stretching is a treatment advocated by many authors, but which has not yet been investigated in combination with manipulation. This study consisted of 40 patients who were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group One received manipulation to restrictions in the subtalar joint, and Group Two received subtalar manipulation in addition to two static stretched of the gastro-soleus muscles.

Introdução: O alongamento é um recurso bastante presente em estratégias que visem à prevenção da flexibilidade e/ou reabilitação, e tem sido preconizado como sendo importante componente do exercício físico. Diversos estudos têm mostrado a eficácia de diferentes técnicas, porém não há unanimidade em estudos de efeito crônico no que diz respeito à técnica mais eficiente, bem como sua relação com a força muscular. Com isso o objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o efeito de duas formas distintas de alongamento sobre aspectos musculoesqueléticos dos isquiotibiais de mulheres jovens. Métodos: Este estudo é um ensaio clínico randomizado. A amostra foi composta por 18 mulheres jovens divididas em três grupos: (GCon) grupo controle (n= 6; 24,0±2,8 anos); (GEst) grupo que realizou alongamento estático passivo (n= 6; 23,3±2,2 anos) e (GFnp) grupo que realizou alongamento de facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva (n= 6; 24,6±2,6 anos). A avaliação do torque muscular, flexibilidade, ativação elétrica e arquitetura muscular foi realizada uma semana antes do início do treinamento e a reavaliação, uma semana após o término. Para a avaliação do torque muscular dos flexores e extensores do joelho foi utilizado um dinamômetro isocinético. A avaliação da flexibilidade foi composta pelos testes de Elevação do Membro Inferior Estendido (EXT) e de Extensão de Joelho Modificado (TEJ) onde a amplitude de movimento (ADM) foi mensurada através de um goniômetro universal. A avaliação da ativação elétrica do vasto lateral, reto femoral e bíceps femoral foi realizada simultaneamente ao teste de força muscular e flexibilidade utilizando-se um eletromiógrafo. A arquitetura muscular foi avaliada através da ultrassonografia. O treinamento consistiu de um programa de quatro semanas de alongamento com três sessões semanais. Cada sessão era composta por uma repetição de alongamento, estático (30s) ou FNP (6s de contração máxima seguido por 30s de alongamento). O GCon não realizou treinamento. Para análise estatística foi utilizada uma ANOVA de dois fatores para a comparação entre os grupos e entre momentos seguida de um posthoc de Bonferroni. Para análise foi utilizado o software SPSS 20.0 e o nível de significância adotado foi α de 0,05. Resultados: A ADM mensurada pelo teste EXT apresentou aumento significativo entre os momentos pré e pós do GEst (pré= 80,8º±11,0 e pós= 94,5º±10,2; p= 0,013), não havendo diferenças entre os grupos (p>0,05); também houve diferença no torque concêntrico dos flexores de joelhos nos três grupos quanto ao momento, GEst (pré= 66,3Nm±12,9 e pós= 70,0Nm±8,1; p=0,023), GFnp (pré= 79,1Nm±12,7 e pós= 83,5Nm±11,6; p=0,014) e Gcon (pré= 71,1Nm±10,1 e pós= 74,1Nm±14,6; p=0,003), porém não houve diferença entre os grupos. A contração excêntrica desse grupo muscular não apresentou diferença significativa intra e inter grupos, assim como a espessura e a ativação elétrica muscular (p>0,05). Conclusão: Não houve diferença entre os grupos, porém o protocolo de alongamento estático passivo proposto propiciou um aumento da ADM e do torque da musculatura isquiotibial, sem influência na espessura muscular e ativação elétrica, dados que sugerem ser o ganho de ADM decorrente do aumento da tolerância do indivíduo ao alongamento do que decorrente de mudanças na estrutura muscular. / Introduction: Stretching is a very present action strategies aimed at prevention of flexibility and/or rehabilitation, and has been recommended as an important component of exercise. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of different techniques, but there is no unanimity in chronic effect studies as regards the most efficient technique, as well as its relationship with muscular strength. Thus the aim of this study was to compare the effect of two different forms of stretching on musculoskeletal aspects of the hamstrings of young women. Methods: This study is a randomized clinical trial. The sample consisted of 18 young women divided into three groups: (GCon) control group (n= 6; 24.0±2.8 years); (GEst) group performed passive static stretching (n= 6; 23.3±2.2 years) and (GFnp) group performed proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (n= 6; 24.6±2.6 years). Evaluation of muscular torque, flexibility, muscle activation and muscle architecture was evaluated a week before the start of training and reevaluated, a week after the end. For the evaluation of knee flexors and extensors muscular torque was used an isokinetic dynamometer. The flexibility assessment was made by Single Leg Raise Test (SLR) and Modified Knee Extension Test (KET) where the range of motion (ROM) was measured using a goniometer. The evaluation of the electrical activation of the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris and biceps femoris was held simultaneously with the muscle strength test and flexibility using a electromyography. Muscle architecture was assessed by ultrasonography. The training consisted of a four weeks program of stretching with three weekly sessions. Each session consisted of a single stretching repetition, static (30s) or PNF (6s maximum contraction followed by 30 seconds elongation). The GCon not trained. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-way ANOVA for comparison between groups and between moments followed by post-hoc Bonferroni test. For analysis was used SPSS 20.0 and the level of significance was α of 0.05. Results: ROM measured by SLR test showed a significant increase between pre and post GEst (pre= 80.8º±11.0 and post= 94.5º±10.5; p= 0.013), with no differences between the groups (p> 0.05); also was difference between pre and post training in concentric torque of the knee flexors in the three groups, GEst (pre= 66.3Nm±12.9 and post= 70.0Nm±8.1; p= 0.023), GFnp (pre= 79.1Nm±12.7 and post= 83.5Nm±11.6; p= 0.014) and GCon (pre= 71.1Nm±10.1 and post= 74.1Nm±14.6; p= 0.003), but there was no difference between groups. The eccentric contraction of this muscle group showed no significant difference intra and inter groups, as well as the thickness and muscle electrical activation (p>0.05). Conclusion: There was no difference between the groups but the proposed passive static stretching protocol provided an increase in ROM and torque of the hamstring muscles, but no effects on muscle thickness and electrical activation, data that suggest the gain of ROM occurred due to the increase of the individual's tolerance to stretching, and not from changes in muscle structure.

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.

<p> </p><p>ABSTRACT</p><p><strong>Background:</strong> There are many studies of stretching and its effects on the body. Research shows that stretching can have both positive and negative effects on the body. Meantime there are no qualitative studies on stretching and how the opinion of stretching is among soccer players. Female soccer players are a group that is rapidly growing and that is injured to a great extent.</p><p><strong>Purpose:</strong> To describe stretching exercising female soccer players’ opinion of stretching.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> Ten stretching exercising female soccer players over fifteen years of age from two teams were interviewed in a semi-structured interview. The recordings were analyzed through a qualitative content analysis containing a process of abstraction.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The participants’ said that there are specific body- and surrounding factors that affects them to exercise stretching. The participants say that when they exercise stretching they follow a specific pattern. They also said that they have been given to little and that they would like more information of stretching. The participants’ talk about the knowledge they have about stretching from their own experiences of exercising stretching.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The participants’ opinion of stretching varies like results found in previous research. This study also shows that the participants’ would like more information about stretching and that they find that other people largely affect them to exercise stretching. Further research is needed about to be able to generalize the results found in this study and to deepen the understanding of the topic.</p><p> </p>

ABSTRACT Background: There are many studies of stretching and its effects on the body. Research shows that stretching can have both positive and negative effects on the body. Meantime there are no qualitative studies on stretching and how the opinion of stretching is among soccer players. Female soccer players are a group that is rapidly growing and that is injured to a great extent. Purpose: To describe stretching exercising female soccer players’ opinion of stretching. Method: Ten stretching exercising female soccer players over fifteen years of age from two teams were interviewed in a semi-structured interview. The recordings were analyzed through a qualitative content analysis containing a process of abstraction. Results: The participants’ said that there are specific body- and surrounding factors that affects them to exercise stretching. The participants say that when they exercise stretching they follow a specific pattern. They also said that they have been given to little and that they would like more information of stretching. The participants’ talk about the knowledge they have about stretching from their own experiences of exercising stretching. Conclusion: The participants’ opinion of stretching varies like results found in previous research. This study also shows that the participants’ would like more information about stretching and that they find that other people largely affect them to exercise stretching. Further research is needed about to be able to generalize the results found in this study and to deepen the understanding of the topic.

Adequate recovery from intense exercise is essential to optimise performance and reduce the associated symptoms of tiredness, fatigue and lethargy. The purpose of the study was to :- i. investigate the effects of massage and stretching in delaying the development of fatigue during repeated bouts of dynamic activity and, ii. to investigate the relative effects of massage and stretching on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Eighteen volunteer males participated in this study. They were randomly allocated into one of six groups of an Orthogonal Latin square design. Subjects performed five repetitions of as many heel raises as possible in 45 seconds. Each repetition was followed by a recovery technique of three minutes duration. This was repeated weekly until each group has had all three recovery techniques. A fatigue index % was calculated from the decline in the number of repetitions from stage 1 to stage 5. Muscle soreness ratings were retrospectively assessed at 12-36 hour after each session. An analysis of variance showed a significant difference in the fatigue indices. Post hoc intergroup comparison using paired T-tests with the Bonferroni adjustment showed a significant difference between rest and massage (p=0.0001) and rest and stretching (p=0.0006). The differences between massage and stretching were not significant. Fourteen (77.8%) and Fifteen (83.3%) subjects showed an improvement in performance following massage and stretching respectively. Massage is associated with significantly less muscle soreness than stretching (p<0,001). DOMS was most frequently found in the stretching group while the lowest incidence and lowest mean ratings of muscle soreness associated with DOMS was found in the massage group. The difference between massage and stretching was marginal (p=046I) and showed a trend that massage is associated with less DOMS than stretching. This suggests that rest is the least beneficial recovery technique, and that massage may be superior to stretching as there is less muscle soreness. / Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)-University of Natal, 1997.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Dept.of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003 xv, 93 leaves / Plantar Fasciitis (PF) is a common injury, and one which is known to be stubborn to many forms of treatment. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of manipulation of the subtalar joint combined with static stretching of the Triceps Surae muscles compared to manipulation alone in the treatment of PF. Studies have shown chiropractic manipulation to be effective in treating this overuse injury, and gastro-soleus stretching is a treatment advocated by many authors, but which has not yet been investigated in combination with manipulation. This study consisted of 40 patients who were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group One received manipulation to restrictions in the subtalar joint, and Group Two received subtalar manipulation in addition to two static stretched of the gastro-soleus muscles.

Access to abstract permanently restricted to Ball State community only / Access to thesis permanently restricted to Ball State community only / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science