Effect of topical aerosol skin refrigerant (spray and stretch technique) on passive and active stretching.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the use of a vapocoolant blend of pentafluoropropane and tetrafluoroethane (Gebauer's Spray and Stretch) on hip flexion stretching.

Methods: Thirty volunteers were randomly assigned to spray and stretch treatment and stretch only control groups. Each group was assessed pre- and posttest on passive and active hip flexion range of motion (ROM).

Results: Findings indicated greater posttest hip flexion gains for the spray and stretch group over the stretch only group for both active and passive ROM. Additionally, females achieved greater pre- and posttest differences on active ROM compared to males.

Conclusions: Study findings suggest that spray and stretch techniques can be an effective treatment in increasing hip flexion ROM.