Volume 5, Issue 3 of Topics in Integrative Health Care is Now Available.
Anna L. Walden, MS, DC, Stacie A. Salsbury, PhD, RN, Dana J. Lawrence, DC, MMedEd, MA.
Christina J. Baird, DC, Sarah M. Shumate, DC, Melissa P.J. Tancredi, DC, MS, Laura M. Cayce, DC, MS, Jane L. Wibbenmeyer, DC.
Objective: The aim of this study is to determine if a single treatment using The Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) significantly increases hamstring flexibility in patients with chronic hamstring tightness.
Methods: Thirty participants with current chronic hamstring tightness and no current history of lower extremity injury received treatment with the FDM on their hamstrings appropriate to the distortion presented. The sit-and-reach test was used before and after treatment to determine hamstring flexibility. Summary statistics were calculated, and pre and post hamstring flexibility scores are outlined.
Results: There was a significant difference from pre- to post-test (mean pre =40 cm, post= 47cm), representing a 15% increase in post treatment flexibility. All 30 participants increased their sit-and-reach scores following the application of FDM.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a single treatment with the FDM increased hamstring flexibility in a group of participants suffering from chronic hamstring tightness.