Wang HK, Ting-Fang Shih T, Lin KH, Wang TG
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of ultrasonography (US) in determining the morphological changes of the iliotibial band (ITB) with the modified Ober maneuver. Forty-four subjects who had no previous history of lower back, gluteus, hip or knee pain and satisfied additional inclusion criteria were recruited. Band width of the left ITB was then assessed for these 44 subjects by US with the modified Ober maneuver in three gradually increased hip adduction positions; neutral, adducted and adducted with weight in these 44 subjects. Examiner reliability was assessed by conducting duplicate measurements in 20 randomly chosen subjects. Results demonstrated significant reductions in band width between the three positions with the modified Ober maneuver. Band width changes indicated that the ITB was subjected to a significant stretching force during hip adduction. We conclude that US is a reliable means to directly assess the real-time effects of stretching exercises.
Manual Therapy, August 2007, online article ahead of print