The Effects of Graston Technique Treatment Times on Sprint Performance in Collegiate Wrestlers

Abstract

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.