TITLE:
Possibility of a Novel Warm-Up Strategy Using Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer: A Pilot Study
AUTHORS:
Michio Wachi, Takumi Jiroumaru, Ayako Satonaka, Masae Ikeya, Ryo Fujitani, Oka Yasumasa, Takamitsu Fujikawa
KEYWORDS:
Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer, Muscular Stiffness, Range of Motion, Active Straight Leg Raise, Multifidus Muscle
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation,
Vol.10 No.3,
June
30,
2022
ABSTRACT: [Purpose] Capacitive and resistive electric transfer (CRET) is becoming
prevalent in sports settings. CRET is effective for improving pain and healing
injured tissue; however, its influence on muscle function and morphology is
still unclear. This study confirmed the immediate effects of CRET on the
duration of muscular stiffness and range of motion (ROM). [Method] This study
describes the protocol for a single-arm trial with the non-blinding of
participants and researchers. Twenty-four healthy men participated in the
study. They received CRET therapy for their low back areas. The muscular
stiffness of the multifidus muscle (superficial and deep) and the ROM using the
active straight leg raise (ASLR) test were measured pre-intervention,
post-intervention (immediately), and 15 and 30 min post-intervention. We
compared these parameters using a one-way analysis of variance and Dunnett’s
test (multiple comparison tests for subtests). [Results] The muscular stiffness
of the superficial and deep multifidus muscles was significantly decreased, and
the ASLR test showed a significant increase compared with the test performed
pre-intervention. In addition, these effects persisted for 30 min. [Conclusion]
Warm-up is vital for improving muscular stiffness and increasing the ROM. CRET
is a useful device for achieving these aims, particularly as a passive warm-up
method in sports settings.