Abstract
M. Tech.
The aim of this study was to determine whether a combination treatment of strength training of the Gastrocnemius muscle and adjusting of the Tibiotalar joint would have a greater effect and influence on the strength of the Gastrocnemius muscles when compared to either strengthening the Gastrocnemius muscles or adjusting the Tibiotalar joints alone.
Thirty participants from the surrounding community of the University of Johannesburg were randomly divided into one of three groups, with an equal male to female ratio within each group. Group A received a strength training protocol directed at the Gastrocnemius muscles. Group B received Chiropractic adjustment therapy directed at the Tibiotalar joints and Group C received a combination of a strength training protocol of the Gastrocnemius muscles in addition to Chiropractic adjustment therapy directed at the Tibiotalar joints.
All three groups received 6 treatments on alternate days over a two week period. Objective data was collected by means of a surface Electromyograph (sEMG) taken pre- and post-treatment on the 1st, 3rd and 6th appointments, and muscle strength testing was measured using an Isometric Dynamometer post-treatment on the 1st, 3rd and 6th appointments.
Demographic data was collected and evaluated from the Case History, Pertinent Physical Examination, Demographic Data Questionnaire and Physical Assessment Form.
In executing the comparison, it was anticipated that all three groups would be effective, but the group undergoing the combination treatment would have the best improvement on the Gastrocnemius strength overall, followed by the adjustment group and then the strengthening group. It
could then be concluded that Chiropractic adjustment therapy would provide a safe, cost effective treatment and preventative measure of injury to the Gastrocnemius muscles. Treatment proposed in this research could thus serve as an adjunct and preventative therapy in current rehabilitation treatment protocols in athletes as well as in the general public.
The results obtained from the study demonstrated that there was no statistically significant improvement in either of the groups however, there was a definite effect from the treatment protocols in each group that would warrant further investigation. There is a definite link between adjusting the Tibiotalar joint and affecting the Gastrocnemius muscle. Therefore, treating the joint can help the Gastrocnemius muscle to reach its optimal functionality.
In conclusion, the study showed that Chiropractic adjustment therapy of the Tibiotalar joint and strengthening of the Gastrocnemius muscles had a combination effect on its strength and endurance that was greater than either of the treatments alone. From these results, it would be prudent to incorporate this treatment protocol to serve as an adjunctive therapy in rehabilitation and training protocols.