Impact of self-stretching techniques on piriformis muscles tightness in supine vs sitting position

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Piriformis muscle is the deep gluteus muscle present at the posterior side of the hip joint. Its main function is external rotation of hip joint. Tightness of piriformis muscle is common these days due to sedentary life style. Due to tightness of piriformis muscle, the mobility of external rotation in hip joint also gets altered. The aim of this research is to compare the effect of self-stretching in supine vs sitting position on piriformis muscle in random young adults. Methodology: A sample size of 40 (n=40) random young adults were taken and divided into two groups (n1=20) (n2=20) of 20 each. The first group was asked to do self-stretching in supine position and second group was asked to do self-stretching in sitting position for 30 sec/stretch 10 times/session 2 times in a day. This intervention was given for a week. The outcome measures include piriformis muscle tightness test and goniometer measurement. Result: The result showed significant improvement in tightened piriformis muscle in self-stretching in supine and sitting group. Conclusion: The self-stretching in sitting group showed more improvement on piriformis muscle tightness than self-stretching in supine position.