An
investigation into Muscle Energy Technique and its effect on hamstring
length over time and comparison of the same between female and male subjects
Matthew Lee
Supervisor: Dawn Limbert
Abstract
Aim of study
To
further inform osteopaths in clinical use of muscle energy technique.
Exploration of the mechanism behind observed changes at different time
intervals and genders may help support current theories of muscle energy
technique neurophysiology.
Methods
Thirty-one
asymptomatic subjects of mixed gender took part, following operator
instructions as per a pre experimental briefing. Physical measurement data
were gathered using goniometry at the hip joint before and, at specified
time points after, directed muscle energy technique intervention to the
hamstrings muscles. Changes in resting length of the hamstrings muscles post
intervention were recorded and analysed.
Findings
Changes in muscle
length remain measureable and extremely significant (P<0.0001) up to 3
hours after intervention. There
is no significant difference in muscle length 7 hours (P=0.0897) post
intervention. There is no significant difference in stretch response between
male and female subjects immediately following (P=0.8127), at 1 hour
(P=0.2333), 3 hours (P=0.0662) and 7 hours (P=0.4961) after intervention.
CONCLUSION