Author(s)

Michio Wachi^1,2*, Takumi Jiroumaru³, Ayako Satonaka^1,2, Masae Ikeya^1,4, Ryo Fujitani¹, Oka Yasumasa^4,5, Takamitsu Fujikawa³

¹Department of Physical Therapy, Biwako Professional University of Rehabilitation, Higashiomi City, Japan.
²Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya City, Japan.
³Department of Physical Therapy, Bukkyo University, Kyoto City, Japan.
⁴Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto City, Japan.
⁵Department of Rehabilitation, Kanazawa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic, Ritto City, Japan.

[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.

Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer, Muscular Stiffness, Range of Motion, Active Straight Leg Raise, Multifidus Muscle

Wachi, M. , Jiroumaru, T. , Satonaka, A. , Ikeya, M. , Fujitani, R. , Yasumasa, O. and Fujikawa, T. (2022) Possibility of a Novel Warm-Up Strategy Using Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer: A Pilot Study. Open Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 10, 89-100. doi: 10.4236/ojtr.2022.103008.