The comparative effectiveness of active and passive stretching post-massage: effects on knee injury recovery
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v69.112244Keywords:
massage, active stretching, passive stretching, after knee injury, kneeAbstract
Introduction: Individuals experiencing post-knee injury require rehabilitation therapy to alleviate pain, enhance range of motion (ROM), and improve overall knee function. Massage and stretching are non-pharmacological interventions commonly employed in physical therapy for post-injury rehabilitation.
Objective: This study aimed to 1) determine the effectiveness of active stretching after massage in reducing pain, increasing ROM, and improving knee function; 2) determine the effectiveness of passive stretching after massage for thesame outcomes; and 3) compare the effectiveness of active and passive stretching after massage in achieving these outcomes.
Methodology: This pseudo-experimental study utilized a two-group design, involving 42 participants with post-knee injuries, randomly divided into two groups of 21. Group A received active stretching after massage, while Group B received passive stretching after massage. Each session lasted 30 minutes. Pain measred using the VAS, ROM with a goniometer, and functional via the KOS. Data analysis involved paired t-tests, Wilcoxon tests, independent t-tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests.
Results: Both active and passive stretching post-massage significantly reduced pain, increased ROM, and improved function (p<0.05). However, passive stretching demonstrated greater effectiveness than active stretching in all outcomes (p<0.05).
Discussion: These results are consistent with prior studies. Rehman et al. (2021) found massage and active stretching effective for pain reduction. Jeong et al. (2017) reported improved ROM and pain relief with massage and passive stretching. Nishikawa et al. (2015) noted superior hamstring flexibility with passive stretching.
Conclusions: Passive stretching post-massage is likely more effective than active stretching for knee injury recovery. However, treatment choice should consider patient-specific factors, injury severity, and clinical judgment.
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