Improving Hamstring Flexibility Research Articles

Impact of PNF and MET technique on hamstring flexibility among university students with hamstring tightness

Background. Hamstring tightness affects pelvic posture, contributing to symptoms such as low back discomfort and improper lumbar-pelvic area motions. The purpose of this study is to determine the immediate effectiveness of both Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) interventions on hamstring tightness. A paucity of literature has left a research gap on this topic. Thus, my study aims to compare the effects of these two interventions on improving hamstring flexibility among university students with hamstring tightness. Methods. Group I, consisting of 20 subjects, received PNF for 30 minutes. Group II, also consisting of 20 subjects, received MET for 30 minutes. The study was conducted for 4 weeks. Results. The ROM variables were examined using an independent ‘t’ test with a significance level of 0.05. The mean ± SD of the difference in hamstring ROM for the PNF group was 9.77 ± 4.01° and 10.7 ± 5.21° for the MET group. This indicates that a marked difference was obtained between Group I and Group II, as well as a substantial variation between both the pre-intervention and post-intervention values. Conclusion. The findings demonstrated that both PNF and MET significantly improved (p = 0.000) ROM. Meanwhile, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was found between these two interventions.

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF VARIOUS PROPRIOCEPTIVE NEUROMUSCULAR FACILITATION (PNF) TECHNIQUES ON MUSCLE FLEXIBILITY AMONG EXTENDED SITTING POSTURE INDIVIDUALS

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to compare the effectiveness of different Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching techniques for hamstring muscle tightness, and to find out the best PNF technique for improving hamstring flexibility. Methods: In this quasi-experimental designed study, 30 university students who were between 18-25 years-old, sitting >6 hours per day, and had a Active Knee Extension Test (AKET) >20º were recruited with convenience sampling and equally allocated into Group A, B and C, non-randomly. Hold-Relax (HR), Agonist Contraction (AC) and Contract-Relax-Antagonist-Contract (CRAC) stretching techniques were given respectively, 3 sessions/week, for three weeks. Results: Paired t-test showed significant effect of each technique compared between pre-test value and post-test value of AKET measurements of Hold-relax (HR), AC and CRAC groups (p

Compare the Effects of Bowen Technique and Muscle Energy Technique on Hamstrings Tightness in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition affecting a significant portion of the global population, leading to decreased quality of life and increased healthcare utilization. Previous research has identified manual therapies, such as the Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and the Bowen Technique, as potential interventions for reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients with CLBP. These techniques focus on reducing muscular tightness and improving flexibility, which are often implicated in the etiology of low back pain. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the MET and the Bowen Technique on hamstring tightness and pain reduction in patients with CLBP. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 62 participants with CLBP, who were divided into two groups to receive either the MET or the Bowen Technique. The interventions were administered over an 8-week period, with sessions occurring three times per week. Outcome measures included hamstring flexibility (measured by the Active Knee Extension Test), pain intensity (measured by the Visual Analogue Scale), and functional disability (measured by the Oswestry Disability Index). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and independent t-tests. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in all measured outcomes. Participants in the MET group demonstrated a greater reduction in pain intensity from baseline to 8 weeks (5.5161±1.20750 to 1.4839±1.15097, P<0.000) compared to the Bowen Technique group (7.2258±0.88354 to 0.2581±0.51431, P<0.000). Similarly, hamstring flexibility and functional disability scores improved significantly in both groups, with the MET group showing slightly more substantial improvements in functional disability. Conclusion: The study concluded that both the MET and the Bowen Technique are effective interventions for reducing pain and improving hamstring flexibility in patients with CLBP. However, the MET showed a slight advantage in improving functional disability outcomes.

The Effectiveness of SLR Stretching and Pelvic Tilt Control Stretching on SLR Range Among Asymptomatic Females with Hamstring Tightness

Background: Hamstring muscle tightness is a significant factor that impedes performance in daily and sports activities, necessitating the need for effective stretching techniques to enhance hamstring flexibility. This is particularly important for an active, physically fit lifestyle, as hamstring tightness is linked to various musculoskeletal issues and injuries. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of Passive Straight Leg Raise (SLR) stretching and Pelvic Tilt Control Stretching in improving hamstring flexibility among asymptomatic young females with hamstring tightness. Methods: In a quasi-experimental trial conducted at the Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital and Riphah International University, Lahore, 50 female participants aged 20-40 years with unilateral hamstring tightness were randomly assigned to either the Passive SLR stretching group or the Pelvic Tilt Control Stretching group. The efficacy of the stretching techniques was assessed using the active knee extension test, measured with a goniometer, both pre- and post-treatment. Results: The Pelvic Tilt Control Stretching group showed a significant improvement in hamstring flexibility, with the mean post-treatment active knee extension significantly increasing from the pre-treatment measurement (p-value = 0.000). In contrast, the Passive SLR group showed no significant change in flexibility (p-value = 0.872). The study also highlighted the prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle among participants and its potential contribution to reduced hamstring flexibility. Conclusion: The study concludes that Pelvic Tilt Control Stretching is an effective method for improving hamstring flexibility in young, asymptomatic females, suggesting its incorporation into physical therapy practices. This finding is particularly relevant for populations prone to hamstring tightness due to sedentary lifestyles. Keywords: Hamstring Flexibility, Pelvic Tilt Control Stretching, Passive Straight Leg Raise, Young Females, Muscle Tightness, Physical Therapy, Sedentary Lifestyle.

The Effectiveness of IASTM Versus Static Stretching in Improving Hamstring Flexibility Along with Quadriceps Strengthening Exercises, Tens in Patients with Osteoarthritis Knee

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is prevalent in the elderly and causes pain, stiffness, and functionallimitations. Hamstring inflexibility and weakened quadriceps worsen OA progression. Hence, Therapeuticinterventions like IASTM and Static Stretching show potential in addressing musculoskeletal issues.Objective: This study aimed to investigate and compare the effectiveness of IASTM versus Static Stretching, alongwith quadriceps strengthening exercises and TENS, in improving hamstring flexibility, and quadriceps strength,and reducing pain in patients with knee OA.Methodology: A randomized controlled trial with 30 knee OA patients: Group A (n=15) received IASTM,quadriceps strengthening exercises, and TENS; Group B (n=15) underwent Static Stretching, quadriceps exercises,and TENS. Both groups underwent a six-week intervention program, with pre-and post-assessments using NPRS,AKE Test, and WOMAC questionnaire.Results: Significant differences were observed between Group A and Group B in NPRS, AKE Test, and WOMACscores (p < 0.0001). Group A exhibited lower values in NPRS, AKE Test, and WOMAC, indicating reduced pain,improved knee function, and decreased discomfort compared to Group B. The combination of interventions inGroup A appeared to offer better outcomes for knee OA patients.Conclusion: The study suggests that the combination of IASTM, quadriceps strengthening exercises, and TENS(Group A) yields better outcomes in improving knee OA patients’ hamstring flexibility, quadriceps strength, andpain reduction compared to Group B.

Does a Single Session of Cupping Therapy Increase Range of Motion in Individuals With Limited Hamstring Flexibility? A Critically Appraised Topic

Context: Improving hamstring tightness is a common therapeutic goal to maintain performance and reduce injury risk. How effective is a single session of therapeutic cupping on improving hamstring flexibility? Methods: PubMed was searched in the Summer of 2023 using the search terms: cupping and range of motion (ROM). Included studies were intervention studies that evaluated cupping and flexibility within the lower extremity during a single treatment session. Hip flexion ROM was measured with the passive or active straight leg test. Means, SDs, 95% CI, and effect sizes were calculated. Results: Three articles were screened. Warren et al. reported a statistically significant increase in ROM from pre- to posttest of 4.42° using a digital inclinometer during the passive straight leg test. However, this is below a reported minimal detectable difference for the passive straight leg test (10°). Schafer et al. and Williams et al. reported no significant cupping effect over time between groups. Conclusions: There is consistent evidence that a single session of cupping therapy does not increase lower-extremity ROM in patients with limited hamstring flexibility.

Effects of Foam Rolling Prior to Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching on Hamstring Flexibility and Thigh Skin Temperature.

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (PNFS) is suggested to improve the range of motion and flexibility as an active warm-up. Recently, the foam rolling (FR) methods have also emerged as a passive warm-up. However, the combined effects of PNFS and FR are still unclear, and no reports have compared their effects using thermal imaging. This study investigated the acute effects of combining nonvibration FR (NVFR) and vibration FR (VFR) prior to PNFS, in comparison with PNFS alone, on hamstring flexibility and thigh skin temperature. Randomized controlled trial. Participants (n = 60) were randomly assigned to PNFS, NVFR + PNFS, VFR + PNFS, and control group (CG). Active knee-extension (AKE), sit and reach (SR) test, and thermal imaging were evaluated before (pre-int), immediately after (post-int), and 30-minutes after (post30-int) intervention. All intervention groups had a significant increase at all time periods (P < .001) except the CG in terms of AKE and sit and reach test (P > .05). Combined (NVFR + PNFS/VFR + PNFS) groups had also a significant increase in the post30-int compared with pre-int and post-int values of thigh skin temperature (P < .001). Combined groups, over time, had the best post30-int effect on increasing skin temperature. The study found a significant interaction effect between interventions and time across several measurements (P < .05). Combined groups showed more significant improvements in AKE compared to CG at post-int (P < .05). There is a similar change in AKE, SR test, and skin temperatures between combined groups and PNFS alone at both post-int and post30-int (P < .05). These findings indicate that using FR, with or without vibration, before PNFS does not provide an additional benefit in improving hamstring flexibility and thigh skin temperatures compared with PNFS alone.

The Effects of Static Stretching and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) for Young Adults with Hamstring Tightness

Background: Hamstring tightness is a common issue among young adults, often leading to decreased flexibility and a higher risk of injury, particularly in individuals who are physically active. The efficacy of Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) and static stretching in treating this condition has been debated, with mixed outcomes reported in the literature. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of METs and static stretching on hamstring flexibility in young adults, providing evidence-based insights for clinical practice in physical therapy. Methods: A Randomized Clinical Trial was conducted with 60 healthy adults (age 18-32 years) experiencing prolonged hamstring tightness, split into two groups: an experimental group receiving METs and a control group undergoing static stretching. Data were collected using the Active Knee Extension Test (AKET) and the Straight Leg Raise (SLR) Test to evaluate hamstring flexibility pre- and post-intervention. The study took place in multiple clinical settings, and participants were randomly assigned to either intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with a significance level set at p&lt;0.05. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in hamstring flexibility. The experimental group demonstrated an increase in AKET from a mean of 43.36 (pre-treatment) to 84.83 (post-treatment), and in SLR from a mean of 64.23 to 85.93 (p&lt;0.001). The control group also showed improvement, with AKET rising from a mean of 47.50 to 75.76, and SLR from 62.76 to 75.43 (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that both METs and static stretching are effective for improving hamstring flexibility. METs may have a slight edge in efficacy, but static stretching also significantly enhances flexibility, supporting its continued use in clinical practice. These findings can guide physical therapists in selecting appropriate treatment strategies for hamstring tightness in young adults.

Effectiveness of Various Mulligan Techniques on Hamstring Flexibility in College Level Cricketers

BACKGROUND Cricket is a popular global sport that requires a combination of physical fitness, skill, and strategy. It is a noncontact sport, overuse and impact injuries are common.Players engage in a wide range of physical activities, including running, throwing, batting, bowling, catching, and diving.Hamstring strains are common in cricket and can occur when overloaded eccenterically. AIM This aim is to find out the effectiveness of Mulligan's bent leg raise and traction straight leg raise along with static stretching in improving hamstring flexibility in college level cricketers. METHODS The Experimental study was conducted in 30 college level cricketers who were divided in 2 groups with 15 participants in each.Group A - Bent leg raise, Group B - Traction straight leg raise. All received intervention for 2 weeks. The outcome measure used was Active knee extension test. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Statistical analysis was performed using Active knee extension test. Mean value and mean difference are used to compare pre-post differences in each group. RESULT Bent leg raise showed remarkable increased ROM than Traction straight leg raise. CONCLUSION The bent leg raise is effective than Traction Straight Leg Raise in improving hamstring muscle flexibility. There is significant difference in improvement of hamstring muscle flexibility in Bend leg raise technique.

Comparison of an immediate effect of active myokinetic chain release and cryostretching on flexibility and lumbar flexion range in football player with hamstring tightness

Background: Muscles that have been in a shortened state for an extended duration tend to become tight. Muscle soreness, a myogenic condition, arises from profound releases. The hamstrings are dual-joint muscles that function in conjunction with the hip and knee joints. Maintaining the proper flexibility of hamstring muscles is crucial for facilitating smooth movements at the hip and knee joints. Tight hamstrings can contribute to various issues such as knee pain syndrome, abnormal pelvic tilting when sitting, disc protrusion or bulge, sciatic pain, and Spondylolisthesis. This study is design to find out the comparison of an immediate effect of active myokinetic chain release and Cryostretching on flexibility and lumbar flexion range in football player with hamstring tightness. Method: 20 individual having muscle imbalance have been tested by finger to floor distance test. Between the age of 18 – 30 years both male and female are included in the study. lumbar flexion range can be measure using Modified Schober test. The leg that showed more tightness considered as treatment leg in both groups were randomly divided into two group. Group A receive active myokinetic chain release and Group B receive Cryostretching. Outcome measure are Lumbar flexion range of motion and finger to floor distance. Result: A statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) effect was indicated by a within-group examination of all the outcome measures following the intervention. A statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) effect was indicated by a between-group examination of all the outcome measures following the intervention. Conclusion: The Study Show that Both groups are effective in improving Hamstring flexibility. While Comparing Both Group Active myokinetic chain release technique is showed greater Improving in flexibility of hamstring muscle in football Players.

Dynamic and static stretching on hamstring flexibility and stiffness: A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionHamstring injuries are one of the most common types of damage in sports. Insufficient flexibility and high stiffness are important reasons for it. Stretching is often used in warm-up activities before exercises to increase flexibility, among which dynamic stretching (DS) and static stretching (SS) are the most widely used. The effects of these two stretching techniques on the flexibility or stiffness of the hamstring still need to be clarified. ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the short-term, medium-term, and long-term effects of DS and SS on improving hamstring flexibility and stiffness via a meta-analysis of RCTs. MethodsRCTs were identified from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and PEDro from inception to July 28, 2022. The methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale. The mean difference and 95% confidence interval of the outcome variables before and after stretching were calculated and the extracted data were quantitatively processed using a random or fixed effects model. ResultsA total of 27 RCTs and 606 participants were included. In terms of improving the ROM of the hamstring, there was no significant difference in the acute (MD, −0.70, 95% CI, −1.54 to 0.14; Z = 1.63, P > 0.05) and sub-acute effects (MD, 1.71, 95% CI, −2.80 to 6.22; Z = 0.74, P > 0.05) between a single bout of SS and DS, while the acute (MD, −5.13, 95% CI, −7.65 to −2.61; Z = 3.99, P < 0.05) and sub-acute effects (MD, −5.30, 95% CI, −6.33 to −4.27; Z = 10.04, P < 0.05) of multiple bouts of SS was superior to DS; There was no significant difference in the medium-term effect between the two stretching techniques (MD, 3.48, 95% CI, −2.57 to 9.53; Z = 1.13, P > 0.05), but the long-term effect of SS was better than DS (MD, - 10.40, 95% CI, −10.97 to −9.83; Z = 35.57, P < 0.05). Regarding the length of the hamstring, the acute (MD, −0.41, 95% CI, −1.09 to 0.26; Z = 1.20, P > 0.05) and sub-acute effects (MD, −0.73, 95% CI, −1.69 to 0.22; Z = 1.51, P > 0.05) of a single bout of DS and SS were similar. Two studies have compared the effects on hamstring stiffness, with one showing similar effects, and the other showed that DS was superior to SS. One study showed no difference in the magnitude of change in improving passive torque. No studies explored the effect of DS and SS on hamstring myofascial length. Only one study demonstrated no significant difference in hamstring thickness. ConclusionsA single bout of DS and SS have similar short-term effects in improving hamstring ROM and length, while multiple bouts of SS can significantly improve hamstring ROM compared to DS. DS and SS showed similar effects on hamstring myofascial length.

A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Neurodynamic Sliding Technique and Self-Myofascial Release Technique for Reducing Hamstring Tightness in Healthy Individuals: A Prospective Study.

Hamstring tightness is prevalent among college-going students aged 18-25 years, leading to an increased risk of recurrent injury, reduced athletic performance, post-exercise soreness, and decreased coordination. Myofascial release and neurodynamic sliding technique are two interventions used to alleviate this issue. Myofascial release is a concept that involves pain originating from the muscle and fascia. The neurodynamic sliding technique is a method of producing sliding movement of neural structures relative to their mechanical interfaces. This study involved 70 individuals with hamstring tightness who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were assigned to Group A or Group B using a convenient sampling method. Group A received neurodynamic sliding technique treatment, while Group B received a self-myofascial release. Both interventions were administered for two months. The outcome measures used in this study were active knee extension and lower extremity functional scale, which were evaluated before and after the intervention. Within-group comparisons indicated that both Group A and Group B showed significant improvements in hamstring flexibility. Between-group comparisons of active knee extension (AKE) and lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) immediately after the intervention showed statistically significant results. These findings suggest that both the neurodynamic sliding technique and self-myofascial release are effective in improving hamstring flexibility. This study has implications for clinical practice, as both interventions may be used to address hamstring tightness. Our study found that both the neurodynamic sliding technique and self-myofascial release can improve hamstring flexibility. However, the neurodynamic sliding technique was found to be more effective than self-myofascial release. Further research is necessary to determine the optimal protocol for these interventions and their effectiveness in clinical populations with hamstring tightness or injury.

Tit comparative effects of mulligan traction straight leg raise versus muscle energy technique on pain intensity and hamstring tightness in patient with knee osteoarthritis

Objective: To determine the comparative effects of mulligan traction straight leg raise versus muscle energy technique on pain intensity and hamstring tightness in patient with knee osteoarthritis. Methodology: The design of this study was randomized clinical trial. Data was collected from Physiotherapy Clinics, the University of Faisalabad. The sample size was of 36 subjects. Informed consent was signed by all participants. Participants were included in study by considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects were divided randomly by lottery method into two groups, group A (mulligan traction straight legs raise technique) and group B (Muscle energy technique). Total treatment was of 4 weeks. Outcomes measures tool were, VAS (visual analogue scale) for pain intensity and Oxford knee score (OKS) for disability. Active Knee Extension test was used to assess hamstring flexibility. Results: Mean Age of the group A participants were 53.89±5.76 and group B age 56.39±5.78. MET group was more effective in improving knee function rather that mulligan group (42.6±4.3 vs 34.3±5.1 with p value .000) similarly. MET group was more effective in improving hamstring flexibility and in pain reduction her that mulligan group (17.1±3.6 vs 24.6±4.7 with p value .000; 1.4±.5 vs3.4±.8 with p value .000).

Effect of Dry Needling on Kicking Speed in Football Players with Hamstring Tightness

Background: One of the most popular sports in the world is Football. One of the most usual injury from Hamstring Tightness is hamstring muscle damage. Football is therefore a dynamic sports that causes more injuries than other sports. In clinical and fitness contexts, the term is frequently used to represent restricted motion based on by adaptive soft tissue shortening, mainly minimal muscular shortening. The term “myofascial trigger point” refers to a hyperirritable point in skeletal muscle that is connected to hypersensitive palpable nodules in a taut band and has the characteristics of localized pain, soreness, motor dysfunction, and autonomics disturbances. Dry Needling is trained technique that involves penetrating the skin with a small needle to stimulate trigger points, muscles and connective tissue for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. Method: Football players with Hamstring tightness [n=53] were included in the study according to the selection criteria. Subjects were evaluated for hamstring tightness using popliteal angle and kicking speed was assessed before and after the treatment. Subjects were given dry needling on hamstring muscle for the period of 1 week alternately. Results: Statistical analysis was done using paired t test. Based on the result there is increased in popliteal angle p=[0.000] and kicking speed time p=[0.0001] of the players when compared with pre and post treatment. Dry needling technique was proved statistically in reducing hamstring muscle tightness. Conclusion: It is concluded that Dry needling proves to be effective in improving hamstring flexibility and kicking speed among football players and hence helps in bringing out their best performance on the field.

Effect of Muscle Energy Technique on Hamstring Flexibility: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Since 2005, there have been no systematic reviews on the effects of multiple manual therapies, including muscle energy technique (MET), on the hamstrings. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to provide clinical evidence for the effectiveness of the MET on hamstring flexibility. We queried 10 electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, KISS, NDSL, KMBASE, KISTI, RISS, Dbpia, and OASIS) up to the end of March 2022. This study only included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of MET for the hamstring. The literature was organized using Endnote. Literature screening and data extraction were conducted by two researchers independently. The methodological quality of the included RCTs was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool 1.0, and the meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. In total, 949 patients from 19 RCTs were selected according to the inclusion criteria. During active knee extension tests, the efficacy between MET and other manipulations did not significantly differ. For sit and reach tests, MET groups had higher flexibility compared to stretching (MD = 1.69, 95% CI: 0.66 to 2.73, p = 0.001) and no treatment (MD = 2.02, 95% CI: 0.70 to 3.33, p = 0.003) groups. No significant differences were observed in the occurrence of adverse reactions. Overall, we found that MET is more efficacious for improving hamstring flexibility compared to stretching and having no treatment during sit and reach tests because it combines isometric contraction with stretching. Owing to clinical heterogeneity, uncertain risk of bias, and the small number of included studies, further high-quality studies should assess the effectiveness of MET.

Effectiveness of Plantar Fascial Mobilization and Static Stretching on Hamstrings Flexibility among Overweight Individuals

Background: Hamstrings tightness is commonly found among obese individuals and athletes. Many factors can result in hamstrings tightness such as overuse, bad posture and sports activities. It can result in major muscle imbalance which can predispose a person to muscle injuries. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of plantar fascial mobilization and static stretching on hamstrings flexibility in overweight individuals. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Physiotherapy department of Shalamar Hospital, Lahore for 6 months. About 50 participants were selected after meeting the eligibility criteria through non-probability purposive sampling. Participants were divided into two equal groups, Group A received static stretching of the hamstrings and Group B received plantar fascial mobilization for three consecutive days. Pre and post-treatment readings of the numeric pain rating scale and active knee extension were recorded in this study. Overweight individuals with having body mass index between 25 to 30 and age ranging from 18 to 35 years presented with hamstring tightness (at least 20 degrees of active knee extension were included in this study). Patients were excluded if they showed any red flags such as rheumatoid arthritis, fracture, tumor, osteoporosis, history of steroid use, lower limb injuries or surgery. The normality of data was assessed through the Shapiro-Wilk test. The difference between pre and post-treatment readings was calculated using paired sample t-test for this parametric data. Independent sample t-test was estimated for finding difference between groups. Results: Patients presented in both groups had an age between 18 and 50 with a mean age of 38.56+9.243. Data were analyzed through independent sample t-tests and paired sample t-tests. The results showed that plantar fascial mobilization along with static stretching was superior in improving hamstring flexibility (83.20+1.65) and reducing pain (1.96+1.48) than static stretching alone in improving hamstring flexibility (76.40+0.02) and in reducing pain (3.45+1.45). Conclusion: It concludes that both the treatment techniques, plantar facial mobilization and static stretching were effective in improving hamstring flexibility by increasing active knee extension and decreasing pain intensity however plantar fascial mobilization along with static stretching was superior to static stretching alone in improving the hamstring flexibility in overweight individuals.

Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique in Improving Hamstring Flexibility in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the main reasons for the disability and socio-economic burden in the world. There is a solid scientific basis for the possibility of decreased hamstring flexibility in patients with knee OA. Shortening the hamstring muscle leads to an increased patellofemoral compressive force, resulting in patellofemoral syndrome often associated with Osteoarthritis. The present study aims to determine the effectiveness of Post isometric relaxation in increasing hamstring flexibility in patients with knee osteoarthritis. 40 patients with pre-diagnosed cases of knee osteoarthritis were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups, i.e., Group A and Group B. Group A was the experimental group, and Group B was the control group. Group A subjects were subjected to post-isometric relaxation of the hamstring muscle, and Group B subjects were subjected to static stretching of the hamstring muscle for 3 sessions per week for 2 weeks, i.e., a total of 6 sessions. The outcome measure was the Active Knee Extension (AKE)test. The Pre Vs Post-test mean value of AKE was 18.4 ±1.3 in the experimental group, and in the control group was 10.6 ±.48, with p-value &lt; .001**. The result shows greater improvement in the experimental group's AKE compared to the control group. The study concluded that MET (post-isometric relaxation) significantly improves hamstring flexibility in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Efficacy of Kinesio Tapping vs Mulligan Tapping in Reducing Pain and Improving Hamstring Flexibility, Cadence, and Physical Performance in Individuals with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Pain in the kneecap (patellofemoral joint) or the surrounding soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, etc.) might be grouped together under the umbrella term patellofemoral pain syndrome. Squatting, sit-to-stand exercise, stair climbing activity, jogging, and running are all associated with a worsening of patellofemoral pain syndrome, a chronic disease (2). Objective and Methodology: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of kinesio tapping vs Mulligan tapping in reducing pain and improving hamstring flexibility, cadence, and physical performance in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome. It was a randomized control experimental trial study with total 20 participants randomly allocated into group A (kinesio taping) and group B (Mulligan tapping). Outcomes included were pain, cadence, physical performance of lower limb and hamstring flexibility. Outcomes were assessed and compared at baseline, after 24 hour, after 48 hour and after 72 hours of tapping application. Data was analyzed with SPSS 21, Shapiro-wilk test for calculating the normality+ of data and two-way mixed ANOVA was applied for outcome comparison. Results: In all, the sample had a mean age of 26.85 + 3.63 years. The average age of those in Group A was 26. + 3.47 years, while those in Group B were 27. + 3.78 years. There were 60% women and 40% men in group A, and 30% men and 70% women in group B. After the treatment period ended, all outcome variables had improved significantly in both groups (P0.05), and there was no significant group difference except for cadence scores (F (3, 54) = 8.039, P = 0.007, 2 = 0.309). Conclusion: The study concluded that Kinesio tapping and Mulligan tapping both are effective in improving cadence, hamstring flexibility, lowering pain, patellofemoral pain severity and physical performance. Keywords: Anterior knee pain, Hamstring, Knee pain, Kinesio tapping, Pain, Patellofemoral pain, Tapping.

Myofascial Release Therapy versus Muscle Energy Technique on Hamstring Flexibility in Physically Inactive Students – A Randomized Controlled Trial

Physical inactivity [sedentary] is one of the significant concerns in young adults in various developing countries. College students show a marked reduction in physical activity and have adapted to the sedentary lifestyle due to the substantial transformation from school to college life. This study aims to compare myofascial release therapy versus muscle energy technique on hamstring flexibility in physically inactive college students. An experimental study design with 60 volunteers was assessed with sit & reach test and included in the study. Of twenty students, each participated in the myofascial release group (MFR), Muscle energy technique (MET) group, and passive stretching (PSG) group. All the students underwent 24 sessions of treatment in their respective groups allocated. Sit and reach test was used for measuring the hamstring length; measurements at baseline (pre-test), in the middle of the session (4th week), and at the end of the program (8th week- post-test) were taken. All the values were collected and analyzed using SPSS 24.0. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the difference between the duration and the Tukey HSD Post Hoc test to identify the number of differences in each group with the critical value of p < 0.05. When comparing the MFR with MET, the Tukey HSD shows 1.18 with p<0.43; when comparing MFR with PSG, the Tukey HSD is 5.63 with p=0.001, and when compared MET with PSG, the Tukey HSD shows 5.23 with p=0.001. This study concludes that the Muscle energy technique and the Myofascial release therapy have shown effectiveness in improving hamstring flexibility.

A Comparative Study on Efficacy of Ballistic Stretching Versus Modified Hold Relax Technique in Increasing Hamstring Flexibility

In the literature, the terms “flexibility” and “muscle length” are often used synonymously when referring to the ability of muscles to be lengthened to their end range. The flexibility of the hamstring muscle is important in the prevention of injury, muscular and postural imbalance and maintenance of a full range of joint movement optimal musculoskeletal function and enhanced performance in day-to-day activities. To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of modified hold-relax technique and ballistic stretching for increasing hamstring flexibility in football players. To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of modified hold-relax technique and ballistic stretching for increasing hamstring flexibility in football players. This study includes (N=50) subjects with hamstring tightness within the age group of 18-28 years. They were randomly assigned into 2 groups (Group A and B). Group A had 25 (N=25) subjects who are treated with Modified hold- relax stretching, Group B had 25 (N=25) who are treated with ballistic stretching. The subjects were given intervention 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. ANOVA one way classification was used to compare between and within the groups. Test within the subject of effect is highly significant for both the groups. Each group has p=0.000. Test between the subjects were used to compare between the groups, it showed highly significant p=0.000. But clinically modified hold- relax is superior to ballistic stretching. The findings suggest that modified hold- relax and ballistic stretching both was statistically significant in improving hamstring flexibility. But modified hold- relax technique showed better results compared to ballistic stretching.