The purpose of this study was to capture changes in cerebral blood flow using near-infrared spectroscopy, investigate the effects of MP on flexibility, and examine the associated factors.
ROM and passive torque exhibited a significant increase after MP. Passive torque also differed between groups. However, no significant differences were observed in stiffness. Cerebral hemodynamics exhibited a significant increase in the left supplementary motor cortex region during MP. In addition, a positive correlation was found between the rate of change in ROM before and after MP implementation, and scores on the KVIQ musculoskeletal imagery scale.
The results of this study suggest that changes in cerebral blood flow within the motor cortex are associated with changes in flexibility in MP. The increase in ROM due to MP is thought to be associated with an increase in passive torque mediated by central nervous system factors. Furthermore, it was seen that the higher the KVIQ score, the more activated the brain activity became which, in turn, influenced the increase in flexibility.
