Comparative Study of Immediate Effect of Superficial Heat, Deep Heat and Cryotherapy Prior to Stretching on Plantarflexor Extensibility

Bhakti Udeshi B.P.Th, Geeta Bhatt

Abstract: Plantarflexors are essential in gait and postural control, they are key components of injury prevention and rehabilitation in sports. ObjectiveTo verify an immediate effect of Cryotherapy and heat on plantarflexor extensibility prior to stretching and to compare which is more effective in young asymptomatic females.40 young female participants were taken and divided in 4 groups, 10 in each group and immediate effect was noted. Outcome Measure ROM. ResultData analyzed revealed significant increase in ROM in Group which was given Cryotherapy prior to stretching. Conclusion Cryotherapy prior to stretching has more of an immediate effect compared to superficial heat and Deep heat on plantarflexor extensibility.

Keywords: Extensibility, Cryotherapy, Superficial and Deep heat, stretching, ROM