Effects of iliotibial band stretching in the modified thomas test position on iliotibial band flexibility and vastus medialis activity in individuals with tight iliotibial band

An effective technique is essential to stabilize the patella in subjects with tight iliotibial band (ITB). The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of ITB stretching in the modified Thomas test position on ITB flexibility, lateral patellar translation, and vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle activities during the quadriceps-setting (QS) exercise. The results demonstrated that ITB stretching in the modified Thomas position improved hip range of motion by increasing and decreasing the adduction angle during the modified Ober test and modified Thomas test, respectively. The VMO muscle activity during QS also increased after ITB stretching. Thus, ITB stretching in the modified Thomas test position can be suggested as an effective management method for improving ITB flexibility and VMO muscle activity in subjects with tight ITB