Comparative Study of Three Different Techniques to Increase Active and Passive Hamstring Flexibility Using a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

The present study was aimed at comparing the self-myo-fascial release technique (SMFR), cupping therapy (CTh), & static stretching (SS) on the hamstring flexibility (HF) using active knee extension test (AKE), for active flexibility; sit & reach test (SRT) and the passive straight leg raise (PSLR) test, for passive flexibility. N = 45 individuals were evaluated for hamstring flexibility. Interventions were given using foam roller (4mins for 3days), cupping therapy (7 minsfor3days) and passive stretching (3 times with 30 seconds hold for 5 days). One-way ANOVA in the follow-up analysis of three groups has shown variation for AKE (p value = 0.013*), for PSLR (p value = 0.019*). In parallel analysis using unpaired t test - post intervention analysis, SRT has shown better result for SMFR versus SS (p= 0.018), AKE has shown better result for SS versus CTh (p=0.043), and PSLR has shown better result for CTh versus SMFR (p=0.02); follow-up analysis , SRT has shown better result for SMFR versus SS (p=0.04), and SMFR versus CTh (p=0.012), AKE has shown better results for SMFR versus SS (p= 0.045 ), and SMFR versus CTh (p=0.0035 ), PSLR has shown better results for CTh versus SMFR (p= 0.004), and SS versus SMFR (p= 0.025)