Comparative effectiveness of Active Release Technique and Rolfing Soft Tissue Manipulation in Normal Subjects with Hamstring Tightness - A Randomised Clinical Trial

Abstract

Study Design: A randomized clinical trial. Objective: To investigate the effects of Active release Technique and Rolfing Structural Integration on hamstring tightness. Method: 40 subjects with age group of 18-25 years and having hamstring tightness diagnosed by criteria of limited extension range of less than 60 degrees determined by Active knee extension method were selected and were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Group A was given Active Release Technique. Group B was given Rolfing Structural Integration. Assessment taken pre and post intervention. The primary outcome measures were Popliteal angle and Sit and Reach test. Result: The data analysis and statistical inference showed that both the interventions had successful results in reducing hamstring tightness in terms of reducing Popliteal angle and increasing the Sit And Reach Test. Active Release Technique showed greater improvements in terms of reduction in Popliteal angle as compared to Rolfing Structural Integration. Conclusion: Active Release Technique and Rolfing Structural Integration are effective in reducing hamstring tightness in terms of Popliteal angle and Sit And Reach Test but Active Release Technique showed better improvement as compared to Rolfing in terms of Popliteal angle.