Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effect of combined vibration stimulus and thermal therapy on the flexibility of the hamstrings. The subjects were 10 healthy participants. First, bilateral popliteal angles were measured. Then, hot packs were applied to the posterior surface of the thighs bilaterally in the prone position for 10 minutes. For the last 3 minutes, vibration stimulus （76.6 Hz） was applied to the hamstrings tendons on one side. After the treatment, the bilateral popliteal angles were measured again. On a different day, vibration stimulus was applied to the other hamstrings tendons in the same way,and the bilateral popliteal angles were measured in the same way. The popliteal angle in the combined group was 125.8 degrees anteriorly and 136.0 degrees posteriorly, showing a significant difference（p＜0.01）. The anterior and posterior popliteal angle in the thermal group were 124.2 degrees and 130.6 degrees, respectively, with a significant difference （p＜0.01）. The change in the combined group was 10.2 degrees, and the change in the thermal group was 6.4 degrees, a significant difference （p＜0.05）.The addition of vibration stimulus to hyperthermia greatly improved the flexibility of the hamstrings. The addition of vibration stimulation seemed to be beneficial in improving the flexibility of the hamstrings.
