Comparison of Post Isometric Relaxation and Post Facilitation Stretching on Hamstring Muscle Flexibility

Comparison of Post Isometric Relaxation and Post Facilitation Stretching on Hamstring Muscle Flexibility in Collegiate Athletes

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to check the effectiveness of post isometric relaxation and post facilitation stretching on hamstring muscle flexibility in collegiate athletes.

The main question it aims to answer is:

• To compare the post isometric relaxation and post facilitation stretching techniques on hamstring muscle flexibility in collegiate athletes Participants were divided in two groups,
• Group-A was treated with baseline treatment of heating for 15min and rehab protocol post isometric relaxation in which 3-5 repetitions for 7-10 seconds hold in each session for three sessions per week in alternate days for four weeks.
• Group-B was treated with baseline treatment of heating for 15min and rehab protocol post facilitation in which 3-5 repetitions for 7-10 seconds hold in each session for three sessions per week in alternate days for four weeks.

Hamstring injuries are most common injuries in sports and there are many treatment methods and rehabilitation protocols available which are used according to the extent of injury. The main purpose of this study was to check the effectiveness of two treatment techniques on the hamstring muscle flexibility in collegiate athletes. Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) and their related post-isometric relaxation and post facilitation stretching techniques have demonstrated better results in improving flexibility of the tightened muscles. The study was a randomized clinical trial at Pakistan sports board and coaching center Lahore in which convenience sampling technique was used. This study included total 48 participants and for this purpose Open Epi tool software was used as a sample size calculation. Participants falling in this category were recruited into the study, those were male athletes with ages 18 to 35 having bilateral hamstring muscle tightness and acute hamstring injuries. Participants failing to fall in this category were excluded of the study such as females and athletes with hip, buttock and low back pain radiating to back of thigh and history of fractures within 6 months. Universal goniometer, SLR, active knee extension test and sit to reach test would be used as a tool for pre and post assessment of athletes. In this study the subjects were assigned through convenience sampling into two groups. Group A was treated with post isometric relaxation technique and group B was treated with post facilitation technique. Data will analyze through SPSS version 25.0

Inclusion Criteria:

• • Age 18 to 35

  • Male
  • Athletes with hamstring muscle tightness (bilateral) or Acute hamstring injuries

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Athletes with hip, buttocks and low back pain radiating to back of thigh

  • History of fracture within 6 months