Affiliations: [a] Physical Therapy Department, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX, USA | [b] Ace Home Healthcare, Joshua, TX, USA | [c] Senior Care Health and Rehab, Coppell, TX, USA | [d] Your Health Team, Rowlett, TX, USA | [e] Kinesiology Department, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX, USA | [f] Health, Human Performance and Recreation Department, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Dr. Ron Bybee, Angelo State University, Department of Physical Therapy, ASU Station #10923, San Angelo, TX 76909, USA. Tel.: +1 325 942 2579; Fax: +1 325 942 2548; E-mail: rbybee@angelo.edu
Abstract: Purpose:To compare range of motion (ROM) outcomes of repeated extension versus static stretching of the lumbar spine in healthy adults. Methods:101 subjects volunteered and were randomly assigned to 1of 3 groups: repeated extension (Group A, n = 33), static stretching (Group B, n = 36), or control (Group C, n = 32). Double inclinometers were used to measure lumbar extension ROM (prone). Measurements were taken at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. MANOVA assessed equivalence of the 3 groups for age and initial ROM; chi-square testing assessed gender differences. ROM data were assessed using General Linear Mixed Model Analysis. Alpha was set at 0.05. Results:Both methods of stretching increased lumbar extension ROM at 4 and 8 weeks. The repeated stretching group increased ROM more than the static group. Group A differences were significant comparing 8 to 4 weeks and to baseline. Group B differences were also significant comparing 8 to 4 weeks and to baseline. At 8 weeks, only group A was significantly different than the control group. Conclusion:Repeated and static stretching improved lumbar extension ROM when compared to no stretching. However, repeated extension when compared to static stretching showed greater gains in lumbar extension ROM after 8 weeks of stretching.
