A Study to Compare the Efficacy between Active Self Stretching and Self PNF Stretching on Hamstring Flexibility among Normal Individuals

To compare between active self-stretching and self PNF stretching on hamstring flexibility.

Exploratory study design.

Research Laboratory of Srinivas College of Physiotherapy & Research Centre.

Participants: 80 female healthy subjects with age of 18 to 25 years having mild hamstring tightness were

recruited for the study.

Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups. Each group consisted of 40 subjects, Group A were trained for active self-stretching and Group B were trained for self PNF stretching for hamstrings at 1 session per day for a period of 6 weeks and each session was carried out for 10–15 minutes.

The analysis was done by using Paired T test. Six weeks training of active self stretching and self PNF stretching showed significant improvement on hamstring flexibility by using modified back saver sit and reach test and 90–90 test.

However intergroup comparison showed varied results. The modified back saver sit and reach test showed no significant difference between the active self stretching and self PNF stretching group, as it was found that the average improvement in active self stretching was 8.1 and in self PNF stretching was 8.76.

Whereas the 90–90 test showed a significant difference between active self stretching and self PNF stretching group, as the average improvement in active self stretching was 18.6 while in self PNF stretching was 23.6.

It was found that by using Back saver sit and reach test both active self stretching and self PNF stretching techniques improved hamstring flexibility invariably. It was concluded that self-PNF stretching showed a greater improvement on hamstring flexibility than active self stretching by 90–90 test.