Ayesha Majeed, Syeda Rafia Mansoor, Ahmad Bilal Arif, Muhammad Mudassar Yasin, Minahil Wasim, Farah Naeem.
Comparison of Static Stretching and Muscle Energy Techniques on Hamstring Tightness in Asymptomatic Females.
Foundation Uni J Rehab Sci Jan ;1(1):19-23.

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.

PakMediNet -Pakistan's largest Database of Pakistani Medical Journals - http://www.pakmedinet.com