The effect of PNF-stretching and strengthening exercises on improvement of Function in subjects with tibial stress syndrome

Tibial stress syndrome is classified as one of the overuse injuries. Muscle strengthening and stretching exercises have been suggested in prevention and treatment of tibial stress syndrome. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of strengthening and PNF-stretching exercise on the pain intensity and disability in patients with shin splint. This clinical trail study was performed in Zahedan. Twenty patients with shin pain were assigned randomly as either a stretching exercise group (n=10) or a strengthening exercise group (n=10). Both groups underwent a fourteen day exercise intervention. The outcome was based on self–reported disability, using Lower Extremity Functional Scale Questionnaire, joint range of motion, muscle strength and pain intensity (VAS) measured immediately before and after intervention. The data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon test. In the stretching exercise group, pain changed from 6.4±1.8 to 3.2±1.4 (P