The effect of localised vibration on hamstring and quadriceps muscle in young adults to overcome tightness

Background: Muscle tightness in the hamstrings and quadriceps is common among young adults, leading to reduced flexibility and increased injury risk. Traditional static stretching is often used to alleviate this tightness, but its effectiveness can be limited, and it may temporarily decrease muscle strength. Localized vibration therapy has emerged as a potential alternative to enhance muscle flexibility without these drawbacks Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the immediate and short-term effects of localized vibration therapy compared to static stretching on the flexibility and functional performance of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles in young adults.

Methodology: Thirty physically active young adults (aged 18-25) with self-reported muscle tightness were randomly assigned to either an intervention group, receiving five minutes of localized vibration therapy at 30 Hz on the hamstrings and quadriceps, or a control group, performing five minutes of static stretching for the same muscle groups. Assessments included range of motion (ROM) measured by goniometry, voluntary muscle activation evaluated via electromyography (EMG), and functional mobility assessed through the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Measurements were taken pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and at a 24-hour follow-ups Results: The intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in ROM for both muscle groups immediately post-intervention (p < 0.001), with improvements maintained at the 24-hour follow-up. EMG analysis revealed enhanced voluntary muscle activation in the intervention group compared to the control group across all time points (p < 0.001). Additionally, the intervention group exhibited superior performance in the TUG test post-intervention and at the 24-hour follow-up (p < 0.001), indicating improved functional mobility.

Conclusion: Localized vibration therapy is more effective than traditional static stretching in enhancing muscle flexibility, activation, and functional performance in young adults with muscle tightness. Incorporating localized vibration therapy into physiotherapy practices may offer a time-efficient and non-invasive approach to managing muscle tightness and reducing injury risk in physically active individuals.