Comparative efficacy of a short-time cryotherapy and thermotherapy in improving hamstring muscles' flexibility, isometric strength and endurance

Abstract

Background: The hamstring muscle is the most susceptible muscle to sport injury. It is one of the most difficult to treat after injury and a major challenege in rehabilitation.

Objective: This study compared the efficacy of cryotherapy and thermotherapy in improving hamstring muscles' flexibility, strength and endurance.

Methods: This study involved 51 hostel-resident apparently healthy undergraduates within 18-30 years of age and randomized into two groups. The first group received thermotherapy while the second group received 15 minutes cryotherapy applications at every session over a 12-session period. The procedure was carried out between 6th and 9th hours of the day in all participants to eliminate the effect of fatigue from daily activity. The hamstring muscle flexibility, strength and endurance were assessed using goniometer, cable tensiometer and resistance test respectively.

Results: Forty-one participants completed this study. There was significant (p<0.001) improvement between the pre-experimental and post-experimental values of flexibiliy, isometric strength and endurance in both groups. There was significant (p<0.001) improvement in pre-and postapplication values of flexibility and isometric strength in both groups at each session. There was significant (p<0.05) greater improvement in isometric strength in the cryotherapy group than the thermotherapy group. There was a significantly (p<0.001) greater improvement in flexibilty in the thermotherapy group than in the cryotherapy group. There was no significant difference in the hamstring muscle endurance in both groups.

Conclusion: Either cryotherapy or thermotherapy enhances hamstring muscle's flexibility and isometric strength. However, thermotherapy provides a better result in achieving increase in muscle flexibility while cryotherapy provide a greater advantage over thermotherapy to increase isometric muscle strength.

Keywords: Muscle, Strength, Flexibility, Endurance, Thermotherapy, Cryotherapy, Function