Immediate and residual changes in dorsiflexion range of motion using an ultrasound heat and stretch routine.

Abstract

As studied, an ultrasound and stretch routine may increase immediate range of motion more than stretch alone, possibly enhancing performance in practice and competition. This increased range of motion, however, is not maintained over the long term and is not more than the range of motion gained from stretching alone. A similar study using subjects with decreased range of motion after immobilization or injury should be conducted to see if the ultrasound and stretch regimen would produce lasting range-of-motion increases.