Comparing the effect of contrast bathing and STT on triceps surae function
Item
- Title
- Comparing the effect of contrast bathing and STT on triceps surae function
- Author(s)
- Carter Victoria
- Abstract
-
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of contrast bathing (alternate hot and cold hydrotherapy) and Soft Tissue Techniques (STT) on the triceps surae muscle function. The therapeutic use of hydrotherapy and STT have long been recognised and are modalities used by Naturopathic Osteopaths in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. This study proposed that either hydrotherapy or STT would enhance the physiological function of the triceps surae, producing a change in the force generated by these muscles. This study provides further empirical evidence for these treatment modalities, which to date has been limited.Twenty asymptomatic subjects were tested using the Digital Myograph (DMG). Subjects were randomly divided into two groups and were required to attend three experimental procedures spaced one week apart. All subjects acted as their own controls with the first week's experimental procedure being the control intervention (12 minute rest period). Group 1's second intervention being STT (5 minutes of effleurage, kneading and NMT, with a 7 minute rest period) and their third being hydrotherapy (immersion of the lower leg in a leg bath: 3 minutes hot, 1 minute cold repeated three times for a total of 12 minutes). Group 2's second intervention being hydrotherapy and their third being STT. Peak Force and Total Force generated by the triceps surae was recorded before and after the intervention.
Results showed that the contrast bathing (hydrotherapy) significantly increased the Peak and Total Force of the triceps surae by 8.82% and 9.16% respectively (Peak Force - P = 0.0274, Total Force - P = 0.0190).
This study concluded that contrast bathing (hydrotherapy) affected the Peak Force and Total Force generated by the triceps surae allowing enhanced muscle function. This study highlights the need for more continued detailed scientific study in this area to improve the understanding of hydrotherapy and its therapeutic uses. This study also highlights the need for further research to determine whether STT is an effective treatment modality. - presented at
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Date Accepted
- 0
- Date Submitted
- 1.1.1970 00:00:00
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 13622
- Inst-Identifier
- 1076
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Carter Victoria, “Comparing the effect of contrast bathing and STT on triceps surae function”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 24, 2025, https://www.osteopathic-research.com/s/orw/item/1135