3Shortwave Diathermy Enhances Ankle Dorsiflexion More Than Stretching Alone
Journal of Athletic Training (2002) · S. E. Peres, D. O. Draper, K. L. Knight, M. D. Ricard
This study investigated the effects of pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD) combined with stretching on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM). Forty-four college students were divided into four groups: control, stretching alone, diathermy plus stretching, and diathermy plus stretching followed by ice. Over 14 sessions spanning three weeks, participants receiving diathermy and stretching demonstrated significantly greater ROM improvements compared to those stretching alone. The benefits persisted even six days after treatment concluded, indicating that PSWD enhances the long-term effects of stretching on flexibility.
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8Preconditioning with Hyperthermia to Reduce Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage
Physiological Research (2022) · T. Mikami, H. Yamauchi
This study investigated whether hyperthermia before exercise could protect against exercise-induced muscle damage. Two preconditioning methods were evaluated in rodents: whole-body heat exposure (42°C for 30 min) and regional heating of the legs using microwave diathermy. Both methods significantly increased HSP70 and HSP25 levels in the soleus muscle. Muscle damage markers, including plasma creatine kinase and beta-glucuronidase, were lower in heat-exposed rodents than in controls. Histological analysis confirmed reduced muscle damage. These findings suggest that pre-exercise hyperthermia, including microwave diathermy, enhances muscle protection by increasing heat shock proteins and reducing structural damage.
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11Shortwave Diathermy Enhances Hamstring Flexibility
Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (2004) · D.O. Draper, J.L. Castro, B. Feland, S. Schulthies, D. Eggett
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.
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20Shortwave Diathermy Increases Blood Flow and Skin Temperature in Lower Limbs
Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy (2017) · N. T. A. De Sousa, E. C. O. Guirro, J. G. Calió, M. C. De Queluz, R. R. De Jesus Guirro
This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of shortwave diathermy (SWD) and microwave diathermy (MWD) on blood flow and skin temperature in the lower limbs of healthy women. Forty participants received 20 minutes of either SWD or MWD to the posterior thigh and leg. Measurements taken before, immediately after, and at 10 and 20 minutes post-treatment showed that SWD significantly increased arterial blood flow velocity and sustained skin temperature elevation for at least 20 minutes. MWD also increased skin temperature but had no significant effect on blood flow. These findings highlight SWDâs potential for improving circulation and tissue heating.
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73Many Rotator Cuff Tears Cause No Symptoms
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (2006) · Reilly P, Macleod I, Macfarlane R, Windley J, Emery RJ
This review analyzed cadaveric and radiological studies to determine how common rotator cuff tears really are. Among cadaveric specimens, the prevalence of full-thickness tears was 11.75% and partial-thickness tears was 18.49%, for a total of 30.24%. Strikingly, among living subjects examined with ultrasound, 38.9% of those with no symptoms had rotator cuff tears. MRI findings showed 26.2% of asymptomatic individuals had tears. The study concludes that rotator cuff tears are frequently asymptomatic, meaning many people have tears without knowing it. This finding highlights that the presence of a tear on imaging does not necessarily mean it is the source of pain, and that many tears can exist without causing problems.
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