Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Science

Increased flexibility is one of the basic concerns addressed in the day to day practice of physical therapy, heating of tight muscles is commonly recommended to enhance the efficacy of stretching. There is paucity in literature regarding the effectiveness of timing of heat application, prior to or during stretching. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the effect of concurrent application of static stretch and ultra sound therapy versus the application of ultra sound followed by static stretch on active range of motion of neck side bending as a measure of upper trapezius muscle flexibility in normal subjects, and to provide physical therapy field with the best treatment technique for increasing flexibility. 30 asymptomatic subjects of both sexes with decreased active range of motion of neck side bending participated in this study. Their ages ranged from 18to 30 years old, and were randomly assigned into two groups ; Group A (n = 15) ± SD age was (29.93 ± 3.86)ys, ± SD weight (78.60 ± 13.45)kg, and ± SD height (168.13 ± 9.58) cm, received concurrent ultra sound with static stretch. Group B (n = 15) ± SD age was (29.53 ± 4.06) ys, ± SD weight (86 ± 15.37)kg, and ± SD height (168.87 ± 9.48) cm, received ultra sound followed by static stretch. Continuous ultra sound was applied for five minutes with frequency of 1MH; intensity of 1w / cm2 and for 2 sessions per week (3 weeks) for 6 treatment sessions and static stretch was repeated three times for 30 seconds each active range of motion of neck side bending was taken before and after six treatment sessions. Base line bubble inclinometer measurements of neck side bending were taken before and after each treatment session

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