Effect of Class IV laser therapy on hamstring muscle among young adults
Description
Background: Prolonged sitting and sedentary life style may results in hamstring shortness. Decline in regular physical activity could lead to decrease in flexibility and strength of muscle in younger adult population. Increasing hamstring muscle flexibility could decrease the possibilities of injuries and prevent low back pain. Application of high-intensity laser therapy has proved to be innumerable benefits to the many conditions. However, until date no published research is available on the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) to improve hamstring muscle length in healthy young adults. Purpose: To establish the benefits of HILT in treating hamstring muscle tightness among young adults. Methods: A total of 154 healthy young individuals will be recruiting by purposive sampling method to participate in a randomized, single-blinded, sham-controlled study. Recruited participants will be randomly dividing into two groups, the Active HILT group and Sham HILT group. The treatment duration will be 10 minutes per session on both lower limbs for each day for 3 days/week for 2 weeks. The active knee extension test, and sit and toe touch test are the outcome measures will be recorded at baseline, end of the 2-week post-intervention period. Discussion: This study will provide data to determine HILT would be a future definitive nonpharmacological, non-invasive option for young adults.