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Shortwave Diathermy Enhances Hamstring Flexibility
Full Title
Shortwave Diathermy and Prolonged Stretching Increase Hamstring Flexibility More Than Prolonged Stretching Alone
Summary
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.