A study to compare efficacy of hold-relax and agonist contraction of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique on hamstring muscle flexibility in healthy female-An interventional study

Abstract

Background: There are mainly 2 types of stretching technique: active and passive techniques.1 PNF uses the concept of muscle relaxation being fundamental to elongation of muscle tissue. There are three stretching techniques included in PNF: Hold-Relax (HR), Agonist Contraction (AC), Hold-Relax with Agonist Contraction (HR-AC). The purpose of this study to compare efficacy of Hold-Relax and Agonist Contraction of PNF technique on hamstring muscle flexibility in healthy females. Objective: To compare the effect of Hold-Relax (HR) with Agonist Contraction (AC) of PNF technique on hamstrings muscle’s flexibility in healthy female individuals. Method: Study design is an interventional study and sample population taken was normal healthy female individuals from college area with sample size of 30. Simple random sampling method (lottery method) was used. 30 subjects having hamstrings muscle tightness which is examined by measurement of Active Knee Extension angle and Perceived level of hamstring muscle score scale. Subjects received following treatments: group A was taken Hold and Relax stretching with 30 seconds hold for 3 times per set and 1 set per day. Group B was taken agonist contraction stretching with 30 seconds hold for 3 times per set and 1 set per day. In both technique therapy was given for 5days/week, 1set/day and 3 times for each set. 5 sessions were given. Outcome Measures: 1. Active Knee Extension angle 2. Perceived level of hamstring tightness score scale Results: Results showed improvement in hamstring muscle flexibility in group A (t = -7.94, p- <0.05) and group B (t= -4.75, p<0.05) but more significant improvement seen in subjects of group A (p- <0.05). Conclusion: Result of present study showed that Hold & Relax technique is more effective in increasing flexibility of hamstring muscle compared to Agonist Contraction technique.