Dynamic Oscillatory Stretch Technique Versus Static Stretching In Reduced Hamstring Flexibility

Comparison Between Dynamic Oscillatory Stretch Technique and Static Stretching In Reduced Hamstring Flexibility in Healthy Population: A Single Blind Randomized Control Trial

This study compared the effects of dynamic oscillatory stretch technique (DOS) and static stretching (SS) technique in order to improve hamstring extensibility in healthy individuals with asymptomatic hamstring tightness. Half of study participants received DOS whereas other half received static stretching technique.

This was a single blind randomized control trial conducted at District Head Quarter teaching hospital Sargodha, Sargodha institute of health sciences Sargodha, Sadiq hospital Sargodha (march 2018-June 2018). Sample size of 83 individuals was calculated through Open Epi tool version 3 with 95 % confidence interval (CI), and power 80%. 83 individuals were screened out on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Individuals of this selected population were randomly allocated as 42 individuals in Dynamic Oscillatory Stretch(DOS) group and 41 individuals in Static Stretching(SS) group by sealed envelope method.

After the application of hot pack treatment of 7-10 minutes to both groups dynamic oscillatory stretch technique (30 repetitions each of 2 seconds stretch duration in one session) was applied to DOS group and SS stretching (2 repetitions each of 30 seconds in one session) was applied to SS group.

Assessment was done at baseline, immediate post-intervention levels (immediately) and post-intervention level after 1 hour. At baseline and immediately post-intervention level there was no dropout but after 1 hour post-intervention level there were two dropouts from DOS group and 1 dropout from SS group. 40 individuals were analyzed in each DOS and SS group. Data analysis was done through Statistical Package of Social Sciences(SPSS) version 20. Normality of different variables was assessed. Shapiro-Wilk test provided the basis for normality distribution of data.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males and females with age limit 20 to 40 years,
• Active knee extension/90-90 test positive for Screening (With AKE range less than 160 degrees),
• No known history of hip joint or knee joint disease,
• No history of recent hamstring strain.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of sub-acute and chronic back pain of lumber region and SI joint in past 6 months,
• Neurological pathology,
• Patients with some kind of particularly specific pathology (e.g. infection, tumor, osteoporosis, lumbar spine fracture, structural deformity, inflammatory disorder).