A Study to Compare Immediate Effect of Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition Technique and Muscle Energy Technique on Hamstring Flexibility in Healthy Collegiate Subjects – An Interventional Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Hamstring is one of the commonest muscles that often get tight. The suboccipital muscle inhibition (SMI) technique is a manual technique that aims to relax the tension in the suboccipital muscles by decreasing the myofascial restriction in the suboccipital region. Muscle energy technique (MET) is a procedure that involves voluntary contraction of a patient’s muscle in a precisely controlled direction, at varying levels of intensity and against a distinctly executed therapist applied counterforce. AIM: Aim of the study is to compare immediate effect of suboccipital muscle inhibition technique and muscle energy technique on hamstring flexibility in healthy collegiate subjects. METHOD: Total 40 subjects with hamstring tightness (both male and female) (age:18-26 years) were selected for study. Group A: Suboccipital muscle inhibition(SMI) technique. Group B: Muscle energy technique(MET) OUTCOME MEASURE: Active knee extension test(AKET). RESULTS: Results have shown significant difference between pre & post measurements in both the groups and no significant difference was found between the groups. CONCLUSION: Suboccipital muscle inhibition technique (SMI) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) are equally effective in improving hamstring flexibility in healthy collegiate subjects.