Effectiveness of EMMETT technique on Iliotibial band tightness in football players

Teo Radić Orcid logo ,
Teo Radić

General Hospital “Šibenik”, Šibenik, Croatia,

Jelena Paušić Orcid logo ,
Jelena Paušić

University of Split, Faculty of Kinesiology, Split, Croatia,

Mario Rak Orcid logo
Mario Rak

Croatian Football Club “Šibenik”, Šibenik, Croatia,

Published: 10.06.2024.

Vol 16, No 1 (2024), 2024, 16 (1);

pp. 61-66;

https://doi.org/10.31382/eqol.240606

Abstract

The EMMETT technique, developed in Australia, is a manual therapy method gaining recognition for its non-invasive approach and reported effectiveness. This study aims to determine the impact of the EMMETT technique on iliotibial band (ITB) flexibility in young male football athletes. A total of 43 athletes (age 17.21 ± 1.99 years) were randomly assigned to either a control group (n=22) or an experimental group (n=21). The experimental group received the EMMETT technique, while the control group remained in a side-lying position for one minute. ITB flexibility was measured using the EasyAngle® goniometer through the Ober test before and after the intervention. The results showed a significant increase in ITB flexibility in the experimental group compared to the control group. Despite the positive findings, the study has limitations, including a small sample size, focus on a specific demographic (young male football players), and short-term assessment. Future research should include larger, more diverse populations and long-term follow-up to validate these results and explore the broader applications of the EMMETT technique. This study supports the potential of the EMMETT technique as an effective manual therapy for improving ITB flexibility.

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