11Shortwave Diathermy Enhances Hamstring Flexibility
This study examined whether shortwave diathermy enhances hamstring flexibility when combined with stretching. Thirty college students with tight hamstrings were divided into three groups: (1) diathermy plus stretching, (2) sham diathermy plus stretching, and (3) control. After five days, the diathermy group improved knee extension by 15.8°, significantly more than the sham group (5.2°) and the control (-0.3°). Flexibility gains were better maintained in the diathermy group. These results suggest that combining shortwave diathermy with stretching is an effective method to improve and sustain hamstring flexibility.