EFFECT OF MUSCLE LENGTHENING PROGRAM ON HAMSTRING FLEXIBILITY IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH HAMSTRING TIGHTNESS.

Abstract

Introduction:

Flexibility is a fundamental aspect of a healthy lifestyle, yet individuals with sedentary habits often find it increasingly challenging. Incorporating regular stretching exercises can significantly aid in alleviating hamstring tightness, a prevalent concern among young adults due to extended periods of forward-leaning sitting. However, there is limited research on the combined and long-term effects of various intervention methods. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of an advanced muscle-lengthening program on enhancing hamstring flexibility.

         Methods:

Patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups. A random sampling technique was used to choose 104 participants with hamstring tightness for this experimental study. People of age 18-25 unable to perform active knee extension actively less than 125⁰ were included. For 6 weeks, Participants in group A received phase wise advanced muscle lengthening techniques and the participants in group B received conventional stretching technique. The Active Knee Extension Test, Forward Flexion Distance Test and Straight leg raise test were used to collect pre- and post-test data.

Results:

Comparing the pre- and post-intervention levels, the results stated that group A had extremely significant effect on hamstring flexibility in all the three outcome measures (p < 0.0001) than group B. There was a significantly high mean difference among the outcome measures in group A than B. 

Conclusion:

The study revealed the remarkable efficacy of a advanced muscle lengthening program, demonstrating significantly greater improvements in hamstring flexibility compared to conventional methods in Group B. This innovative approach can facilitate the recovery of individuals with hamstring tightness by optimizing outcomes and has strong potential for integration into future rehabilitation programs