The effects of tuina manipulation on the mechanical characteristics of contractual Achilles tendons of rabbits / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effects of tuina manipulation on creep rate and maximal breaking stress of contractural Achilles tendons of rabbits. Methods Twenty-four rabbits were randomly divided into contrac-tural Achilles tendon model group, free activities group and tuina manipulation group. The opposite legs of model group were used as normal controls. Creep rate and maximal breaking stress of Achilles tendons were compared among the 4 groups. Results The average creep rate in tuina manipulation group approximated to that in normal group and was lower than that in model and free activities groups. The average maximal breaking stress in tuina manipulation group approximated to that in normal group and was higher than that in model and free activities groups. Conclusion Tuina manipulation can promote the creep rate and maximal breaking stress of contractura Achilles tendon approximately to normal level. Tuina manipulation may be useful in rehabilitation.