Publications
Effects on Mechanical Properties, Joint Range of Motion, and Grip Strength of Forearm Muscles Depending on Wrapping Direction of the Floss Band
Authors: Ki Bum Jung, Seohui Kim, Yongwoo Lee
Affiliations:
Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Welfare, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Journal: Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science - March 2024, Volume 13, Issue 1, Pages 95-105 (DOI: 10.14474/ptrs.2024.13.1.95)
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Field & Applications:
- Medical
- Sport
- Treatment evaluation
- Physiotherapy
Objective: The purpose was to investigate changes in mechanical properties, range of motion, and grip strength of the forearm muscle in 13 students depending on the wrapping direction of the floss band.
Design: A single-blind, crossover study.
Methods: Subjects were randomly assigned to the wrapping direction of the flossing band and then performed a concentric exercise of the wrist flexors using a Flex-Bar. Intervention A applied the flossing band in a right spiral direction, Intervention B applied the flossing band in a left spiral direction, and Intervention C performed the exercise alone. All subjects used their dominant right hand, and pre- and post-assessments were conducted between interventions. To analyze differences in changes between groups pre- and post-, all results were subjected to one-way ANOVA, followed by Scheffe’s test as a post-hoc analysis. The paired samples t-test was used to analyze the difference between pre- and post-change within groups.
Results: First, in the mechanical properties of the Flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) muscle, interventions A and B significantly improved muscle tone and stiffness than intervention C (p<0.05), and intervention A showed a significant decrease in decrement (muscle elasticity) than intervention B (p<0.05). Second, interventions A and B showed significant improvement in grip strength than intervention C (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The right spiral direction of the flossing band tended to increase the elasticity of the muscles compared to the left spiral direction. Therefore, in future studies, it is necessary to choose the direction of the flossing band to increase the elasticity of the muscles.
Keywords: forearm, blood flow restriction therapy, proprioception, elasticity, hand strength
This study confirmed that the elasticity of the muscles tends to be higher when the flossing band is applied in the right spiral direction than the left, which may help prevent injuries during exercise by improving the ability of the muscles to recover after contraction. Therefore, future studies should consider the direction of the flossing band to increase the elasticity of the muscles.