| The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of cupping to act as a myofascial release technique to increase range of motion of the iliotibial band. Thirty-two collegiate football players volunteered for this study. Participants were excluded from the study if they had a clotting disorder, history of heart disease or a preexisting hip injury. Participants were randomly sorted into the cupping group (n=10), cupping and stretching group (n=9) and a stretching group (n=10). Participants received their respective treatment once a week for 6 weeks. Range of motion was measured before initial treatments, every 2 weeks and then 2 weeks after treatment was discontinued. The data was entered into the IBM SPSS statistical software (v.22). A 3(group) X 2 (Leg) X 5 (Time) factorial repeated measures ANOVA was conducted for IT band ROM measures. Significant interactions were found in IT band ROM for Leg X Time, F(1, 26) = 6.495, p = 0.017 and Leg X Group F(2,26) = 4.494, p = .021. SME analysis found that there was a significant increase in range of motion over time in all three treatment groups, with the increase in ROM beginning after 3 treatments were received. The study results showed Chinese cupping is beneficial as a short term and a possible long-term therapeutic technique that can be used to increase ROM in athletes. |
