The hypothermia and hyperthermia are suggested as physical means to increase the flexibility. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of these thermal agents applied previously to a program of muscles stretching isquiotibiais (ITs) shortened. 42 healthy volunteers were selected with shortening of appraised ITs by the sit-and-reach test (BWD). The sample was random divided in 4 groups: G1 (controls) n:10; 7 masculine (M); 23 ± 0,8 years (y); 23,4 ± 0,7kg/m², G2 (hypo+stretching) n:12; 9M; 23 ± 1,2y; 22,8 ± 0,6kg/m², G3 (hyper+stretching) n:12; 10M; 21,5 ± 0,5y; 23,17 ± 0;6kg/m² and G4 (stretching) n:8; 6M; 24,7 ± 1,7y; 23,2 ± 0,4kg/m². The groups G2, G3 and G4 were submitted to the program of static prolongations, consisting of 13 sessions (15 min each) and continuation within 21 days. Each session consisted of a series of 15 exercises for each inferior member, and the time of maintenance of each prolongation was of 30s and equal time of interval. The thermal agents were applied through thermal bags (diameter of 30cm) for 15 min, preceding the prolongations of ITs, the temperature was controlled for G2 between 1º to 4ºC and G3 41º to 45ºC. It was observed that the groups G2, G3 and G4 presented quantitative in the variation of the flexibility of ITs (BWD: G2: 10,8 ± 1,2; G3: 11,5 ± 1,4; G4: 11,07 ± 1,7cm; P<0,01) in relation to the control group (G1: -0,14cm). Differences were not observed among the groups that increased the flexibility. In conclusion the increase of the flexibility is due to stretching, and this does not depend on the previous application of hyperthermia and/or hypothermia for transport.
hypothermia; hyperthermia; flexibility; muscle stretching exercises
