Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of lumbosacral manipulation and interferential current therapy as well as the combination thereof on hamstring flexibility and strength.
Method: Thirty participants that had one hamstring muscle weaker and less flexible than the other, as indicated by the dynamometer and digital inclinometer, participated in this study. The participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups. Group 1 received lumbosacral manipulation therapy. Group 2 received interferential current therapy on both the hamstring muscles and Group3 received both lumbosacral manipulation therapy and interferential current therapy on the hamstring muscles. The study included seven visits, over a period of three weeks, with intervention on the first six consultations and objective data collected on the first, fourth and seventh visits. The intervention for Group 1 consisted of motion palpation of any lumbosacral restriction. Diversified chiropractic techniques were used by the researcher to manipulate the restricted segment/s. Group 2 received interferential current therapy on both the hamstring muscles and Group 3 received a combination of both lumbosacral manipulation therapy as well as interferential current therapy on both the hamstring muscles.
Results: Both objective data (dynamometer and digital inclinometer) had a positive average improvement on both sides. The dynamometer data showed an increase of 23.48% on the left hand side and 27.91% on the right hand side of Group 1. Group 2 showed an average increase of 28.46% on the left hand side and 33.11% on the right hand side, while Group 3 showed an average increase of 25.77% on the left hand side and 33.11 % on the right hand side...