Effects of Muscle Energy techniques in Hamstring Flexibility

Author: Mallika S., Sam Thamburaj A. and Baskaran A.

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Abstract

The purpose of this research is to do a comparative analysis on the effects of two different Muscle Energy Techniques in improving hamstring flexibility. A quasi-experimental study was undertaken, using a sample of 48 people exhibiting hamstring tightness. The participants in this study were recruited and thereafter allocated randomly to one of two groups: the Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) group and the Reciprocal Inhibition (RI) group. The selection of participants was conducted from specific places within the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, India. The study included three outcome measures, namely passive knee extension (PKE), sit and reach test, and stand and reach test. The evaluation of outcome measures was performed at two distinct time intervals: a duration of two weeks and a duration of four weeks subsequent to the implementation of the intervention. The results of the study revealed a significant improvement in hamstring flexibility during passive knee extension (PKE) for both experimental groups, starting at the two-week time point. However, the other two assessed outcomes shown improvement individually after a four-week intervention period. A significant discrepancy was seen between the two groups throughout the course of a two-week and four-week intervention period, with all three outcomes indicating a predilection for the PIR group. The current study shows empirical evidence suggesting that the use of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) has a positive impact on the improvement of hamstring flexibility. However, the findings indicate that Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) produces more favourable results when compared to Reciprocal Inhibition (RI) in both the immediate (2 weeks) and short-term (4 weeks) timeframes.

Keywords

Hamstring Injuries, Inhibition techniques, Muscle energy

Conclusion

This study's findings indicate that both interventions demonstrate efficacy in enhancing hamstring flexibility. However, it is seen that the Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) intervention yields greater results compared to the Reciprocal Inhibition (RI) intervention, both in the immediate (2 weeks) and short-term (4 weeks) periods. Further investigation is required to examine the long-term durability of these benefits after the discontinuation of the intervention. It is recommended that future studies use a larger sample size to enhance the generalizability of the findings.

References

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How to cite this article

Mallika S., Sam Thamburaj A. and Baskaran A. (2023). Effects of Muscle Energy techniques in Hamstring Flexibility. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5a): 532-537.