The effect of moist heat and short-wave diathermy applications on balance, joint position sense and muscle strength in healty young subjects

This study was carried out to examine the effects of moist heat and short wave diathermy applications on balance, proprioception and muscle strength in healthy young subjects. Range of 18-25 years without any systemic disease, previous knee injury, pain and fatique 20 female and 20 male total of 40 sedanter subjects were included in our study. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups according to the physiotherapy agents applied; hotpacks (HP) and short wave diathermy (SWD). Applications included a session with the subjects? dominant knee joint, 20 minutes for HP group, and 20 minutes for SWD group. Descriptive characteristics of the subjects who participated in the study were asked before the applications. Proprioception and muscle strength of knee flexor/extensors were evaluated using a computerized isokinetic dynamometer before and after the applications. Subject?s balance was tested with kinesthetic ability trainer (SportKAT 3000) device. Descriptive characteristics of subjects, the use of the dominat side, pain, fatique, knee extansion and flexion strength, balance and proprioception were found similar in the beginning of the study. After applications; knee flexor and extensor muscle strength were increased in both groups (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found on balance scores in HP groups (p>0.05). An increase was found on static one leg balance score in SWD group (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found on proprioception values in both groups after applications (p>0.05). No difference was found at knee extension and flexion strength, balance and proprioception in both groups (p>0.05). We concluded that there is no superiority to others on balance, proprioception and muscle strength in HP and SWD applications in short term.Key Words: Isokinetic Dynamometer; Physiotherapy; Rehabilitation; Postural Control; Physiotherapy Agents.