Effects of Cryotherapy and Static Stretching Together and Static Stretching Alone For Improving Plantar Flexors Extensibility

Abstract

Study objective: To know the effects of cold applications during static stretching on plantar flexors extensibility. Design: Pre test and post test control group. Method and measurements: 30 volunteers of 18-30 years participated in study. Subjects were randomly and equally assigned to Ice pack and static stretching (group A) and static stretching (group B). Subjects in each group were given stretching to plantar flexors with 1/3 rd of body weight once a day for 5 days a week for three weeks. ROM was measured before and after treatment session on the day of treatment and the end of each week. Results: Means and S.D of active dorsiflexion ROM after 3 weeks were 16.10±2.80 for group A. ANOVA demonstrates that there was a significant difference in pre and post intervention ADFROM in both groups (P <0.05). When both group were compared the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Both groups in the study showed increase in the extensibility of plantar flexors, resulting in increase in ADFROM. Both the cryotherapy and stretching significantly improved ROM; however, there was no difference between two treatment conditions.