Effectiveness of Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition Technique versus Muscle Energy Technique on Hamstring Muscle Flexibility in College Going Students

Abstract

Background: Hamstring is one of the commonest muscle which often gets tight. Suboccipital muscle inhibition technique is a method of relaxing tension in four muscles located between occiput and axis which regulates the upper cervical vertebra. When the tone of suboccipital muscles falls, it has been reported that the tone of knee flexors such as hamstrings also decreases due to relaxation of myofascia. This is because hamstrings and suboccipital muscles are connected by one neural system, which passes through the duramater called the superficial back line. Muscle energy technique is a procedure that involves voluntary contraction of a patient’s muscle in a precisely controlled direction, at varying levels of intensity and has been utilized in lengthening of tight muscles. Method: The study was done after obtaining approval from ethical committee. Subjects having hamstring tightness who fulfilled inclusion criteria were selected from the population. 52 subjects were included and divided into two groups. The study was carried out for 5 days. Subjects in the experimental group were treated with SMIT and Subjects in control group were treated with MET. Outcome measures used were Active Knee extension test and Back Saver Sit and Reach Test. Data was analysed post treatment (Immediate effects) and at the end of 5th session using non- parametric tests at 5% level of significance. Result: Within group analysis at post treatment and at the end of 5th session showed significant improvement in both the outcome measures in experimental and control group. Between group analysis showed no significant effect post treatment whereas after 5 days significant difference was found where more improvement was found in the control group i.e. Muscle energy technique group. Conclusion: Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition Technique and Muscle Energy Technique both were effective in improving hamstring flexibility but Muscle energy technique was found to be more effective. Keywords: Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition Technique, Muscle Energy Technique (MET), Flexibility, Active Knee Extension (AKE), Back Saver Sit and Reach Test (BSRT).