Comparison of Static Stretching and Muscle Energy Techniques on Hamstring Tightness in Asymptomatic Females

Ayesha Majeed; Syeda Rafia Mansoor; Ahmad Bilal Arif; Muhammad Mudassar Yasin; Minahil Wasim; Farah Naeem

doi:10.33897/fujrs.v1i1.222

Ayesha Majeed University of Management & Health Technology, (UMT) Lahore
Syeda Rafia Mansoor Fatima Memorial Hospital Lahore
Ahmad Bilal Arif Department of Health Sciences, Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering & Information Technology Rahim Yar Khan
Muhammad Mudassar Yasin The Children Hospital & Institute of Child’s Health, Lahore
Minahil Wasim Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad
Farah Naeem Physiotherapy Department, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Okara

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33897/fujrs.v1i1.222

Keywords: Autogenic Inhibition, Hamstring Muscle, Manual Therapy, Muscle Energy Techniques, Stretching

Abstract

Background: Hamstring flexibility is an essential variable because decreased extensibility can cause injuries, non-specific low back pain and altered lumbopelvic rhythm. Flexibility training is an important component in preventing or rehabilitation of injuries and also a method of improving one’s performance in everyday activities and sports.

Objectives: To compare the effects of static stretching & muscle energy techniques on hamstring shortness in females.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial conducted at Department of Health Sciences, Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering & Information Technology Rahim Yar Khan on 50 asymptomatic females. In this study, 50 females were randomly allocated in two groups strictly following the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Group A received hamstring static stretching, while group B muscle energy techniques (Autogenic inhibition). Informed written consent was taken from each participant. 90-90 test, SLR, Sit and reach test were used as outcome measurement tools of hamstring tightness. 6 sessions in 2 weeks were given to each participant. Baseline as well as follow-up data after 2 consecutive weeks was recorded.

Results: Mean age of participants of Groups A & B were 26±1.2, 26±0.9 years respectively. Group B participants showed marked improvement at 90-90 test, SLR, Sit and reach outcome measurement tools compared to group A as p-value was found less than 0.05 which is considered significant.

Conclusion: Muscle energy techniques particularly autogenic inhibition have better treatment outcome as compared to hamstring static stretching alone in asymptomatic females with hamstring shortness.