The Effects of Graston Technique® Treatment Times on Sprint Performance in Collegiate Wrestlers Kristin Jaskolski, ATC/R, LAT*, Kara Gange, PhD, ATC, LAT*

*North Dakota State University Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, Fargo ND, USA

Abstract

Background

Methods

• Future research should be conducted to examine the effects of GT® treatments over an extended period of time and how it affects performance. • Future studies should include females and injured patients as well. • Future studies should also standardize the activity levels by either documenting participant’s activity or having participants refrain from activity.

Objective: The aim of this study was to provide insight on how treatment times of 5 minutes and 8 minutes of GT® affect a 30-yard sprint performance. Interventions: 15 healthy college-aged male wrestlers received two treatments (5 minute and 8 minute) of Graston Technique® separated by approximately 48 hours. After a 5 minute bike warm-up, participants received GT® treatment on both quadriceps muscles. Participants completed a 10 minute active rest followed by a 30 second standing quadriceps stretch, 30 straight leg raises and quadriceps stretch again. Participants then sprinted 3 30-yard sprint tests. Results: Significance was found between the baseline (4.63 ± 0.18 seconds) and 5 minute GT® treatment (4.53 ± 0.18 seconds) sprint times; t(14)=3.34, p = 0.005. No significance was found between the baseline and the 8 minute GT® treatment (4.57 ± 0.19 seconds) sprint times; t(14)=1.49, p = 0.159. Conclusions: Shorter GT® treatments provide a warm-up for the tissue allowing for better tissue function. • Graston Technique® is based off the principles of deep transverse friction massage. • GT® is a therapeutic intervention that utilizes 6 stainless steel instruments with multiple contoured edges and shapes to conform to body surfaces. • GT® is used to assist in the detection and treatment of soft tissue dysfunctions. • Treatment times can range from 5-10 minutes based on GT® recommendations • Pre-competition massage significantly increased or had no effect on 30-meter sprints. • No current research on how GT® treatment times affect sprint performance.

Further Research

We would like to extend a thank you to NDSU’s Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, the College of Human Development and Education as well as the MS Athletic Training Education Program for funding this research.

Results

Does a treatment time of 5 minutes of Graston Technique® affect a 30-yard sprint performance in collegiate wrestlers? Does a treatment time of 8 minutes of Graston Technique® affect a 30-yard sprint performance in collegiate wrestlers?

Acknowledgements

References •  Arabaci, R. (2008). Acute Effects of Pre-Event Lower Limb Massage on Explosive and High Speed Motor Capacities and Flexibility.

Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 7, 549-555. •  Arazi, H., Asadi, A., & Hoseini, K. (2012). Comparison of Two Different Warm-Ups (Static-Stretching and Massage): Effects on Flexibility

and Explosive Power. Acta Kinesiologica, 6(1), 55-59. •  Carey-Loghmani M., Schrader, J., Hammer, W. (2010). Graston Technique M1 Instruction Manual (3rd ed.). Indianapolis, IN:

TherapyCare Resources INC. •  Fletcher, I. (2010). The Effects of Precompetition Massage on the Kinematic Parameters of 20-M Sprint Performance. Journal of

Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(5), 2279-1183. •  Goodwin, J., Glaister, M., Howatson, G., Lockey, R., & McInnes, G. (2007). Effect of Preperformance Lower-Limb Massage on

Thirty-Meter Sprint Running. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21(4), 1028-1031.

Research Questions

The sprint times for the 5 minute GT® treatment (4.53±0.18 seconds) were not significantly faster than the sprint times following the 8 minute GT® (4.57±0.19 seconds) when compared to baseline sprint times (4.63±0.18 seconds). There was a significant difference between baseline and 5 minute sprint times in healthy participants; t(14)=3.34, p = 0.005. There was no significant difference between baseline and 8 minute sprint times; t(14)=1.49, p = 0.159.

•  Pre-test, post test experimental design was utilized. •  Independent variable was treatment time (5 and 8 minutes). •  Dependent variable was 30-yd sprint test times. •  15 healthy, male collegiate wrestlers

Procedures: •  Three treatment sessions:

• Participants were randomly assigned into two groups. Group 1 received an 8 min GT® treatment on treatment day 2 and a 5 min GT® treatment on treatment day 3. Group 2 received a 5 min GT® treatment on treatment day 2 and an 8 min GT® treatment on treatment day 3.

•  Pre-test Day: • Warm-up on stationary bike for 5 minutes, 10 minute active rest followed by stretching and strengthening activity. Participants jogged 2 laps then completed three 30-yard sprint tests.

•  GT® Treatment Days: • Followed pre-test day protocol but GT® treatment was done after warm-up

• 5 minute treatment: GT4 for 2 min scanning quadriceps muscle followed by GT1 for 3 min

• 8 minute treatment: GT4 for 3 min scanning quadriceps muscle followed by GT5 fo 2 min and GT1 for 3 min

Statistical Design: Descriptive statistics were performed (Table 1) and a paired samples dependent T-Test was performed with the level of significance set at p ≤ .05.

Conclusions and Clinical Significance The primary conclusion drawn from the results of this study indicate that GT® can clinically improve sprint performance after receiving two treatments in healthy people. The first treatment initiates the healing process and starts breaking down adhesions while the second treatment can focus on tissue dysfunction. A 5 minute GT® treatment can act as warm-up causing an increase in blood flow. However, a longer treatment time starts breaking down the tissue to rebuild and create stronger tissue.

Figure 1. Graston Technique® Instruments used

Figure 2. Mean and Standard Deviation of Sprint Times

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Group 1 Baseline Sprint

Group 1 Post 5 Min Treatment Sprint Group 1 Post 8 Min Treatment Sprint Group 2 Baseline Sprint

Group 2 Post 5 Min Treatment Sprint Group 2 Post 8 Min Treatment Sprint

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Baseline Sprint Post 5 Min Treatment Sprint Post 8 Min Treatment Sprint