A Comparison between Two Active Stretching Techniques on Hamstrings Flexibility in Asymptomatic Individuals

Background: Lack of hamstrings flexibility has been reported to be one of the most important factors contributing to hamstrings injury during high-speed and high-intensity exercise. Active stretching of hamstrings has been found to be more beneficial than passive stretching after 4 weeks. Objective: To compare the effects of two active stretching techniquesmodified hold relax technique of PNF and neural mobilization as described by Butler, for improving the flexibility of hamstrings. Methods: 60 asymptomatic male subjects were included based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Baseline measurement of AKE loss was taken for right leg.The subjects were then randomly divided into two groups, who were then given either Hold –relax or Neural mobilization technique to improve hamstringsflexibility.Post-test measurement was repeated after 4 weeks of intervention. Results: Results showed a significant increase in hamstrings flexibility achieved with both the techniques (p= 0.000 for both neural mobilization and hold-relax). The mean gain in AKE achieved after 4 weeks was 11.70 + 4.32 with neural mobilization, and 11.80 + 3.08 with hold-relax. Both techniques were found to be significant but the comparison revealed no statistically significant difference between these two techniques. (p-value = 0.953). Conclusion: Both hold-relax and neural mobilization are equally effective in improving hamstrings flexibility in normal adults.