Effect of Low Amplitude Vibration Therapy on Flexibility of Hamstring Muscle in Athletes of Pakistan

Whole body vibration therapy is rapidly becoming a topic of interest for the researchers around the world. Evidence suggests that Whole body vibration has an effect on improving flexibility of hamstring muscle and balance in athletes. The purpose was to examine the effect of low amplitude Whole body vibration on the flexibility of hamstring muscle and improving balance in athletes of Pakistan

A total 60 number of athletes were analyzed and out of these 40 were included in the study who full fill the inclusion criteria, selected athletes were randomly assigned into two groups (control & experimental). After a total 2 drop outs from control group and 3 drop outs from experimental group, there were 18 athletes in control group and 17 in experimental group who continued till the analysis. Experimental group was given five sessions of low amplitude whole body vibration therapy for almost duration of 10 minutes, on alternative days, along with static stretching of hamstring muscles for 5 minutes and the control group was given only the static hamstring muscle stretches for five minutes, and same five sessions alike on alternative days. Static stretching protocol had 10 stretches in total with 15 seconds stretch time and 30 seconds relaxing time of hamstring muscle. All participants were assessed using Biodex Whole body vibration plate, Biodex balance system , Goniometer and a questionnaire.

A total of 40 were included in the study who full filled the inclusion criteria, athletes were randomly assigned into two groups: Control and Experimental group. Additionally, data was collected from healthy athletes doing their training at Pakistan Sports Board, Islamabad.

The control group was given the static hamstring muscle stretches, five sessions on alternative days according to the set protocols.

Given five sessions of low amplitude whole body vibration therapy for duration of 10 minutes, on alternative days, along with static stretching of hamstring muscles.

Static stretching protocol had 10 repetitions in total with 15 seconds stretch time and 30 seconds relaxing time of hamstring muscle.

Given five sessions of low amplitude whole body vibration therapy for duration of 10 minutes, on alternative days, along with static stretching of hamstring muscles. Static stretching protocol had 10 repetitions in total with 15 seconds stretch time and 30 seconds relaxing time of hamstring muscle.

Inclusion Criteria: National athletes of Pakistan. Age between 18-30 years Exclusion Criteria: Athletes having history of any acute injury within last 6 weeks. Athletes who have had any surgical procedure previously or Patients who were medically unstable.