A Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare the Effectiveness of Static Stretching Versus PNF Stretching of Hamstring Muscles Following Superficial Heat in Athletes

Abstract- Flexibility is an essential fitness component that decrease with age and immobility can lead to change in muscle and joint function postural alignment and host of indirect impairments like muscle tightness, atrophy, fibrosis, contracture, joint analysis, postural deformity. Tight hamstring muscle may be a potential risk factor for strain injuries in sports, in which a full range of motion is needed. The stiff and short hamstring muscle tendon unit may be a risk factor for low back pain and the development of patellar tendinopathy. At present various interventions are available to increase flexibility of hamstring muscle. However, there are not many studies that have analyzed the effects of static stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching of hamstring muscles following superficial heat in athletes. The aim of the study was to find out the efficacy of effectiveness of static stretching and PNF stretching of hamstring muscles following superficial heat in athletes. Thirty subjects were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Group A hamstring stretching was given and Group B proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation was given. Outcome was evaluated by range of motion. Study shows after the treatment session. both the groups show a significant increase in active knee extension range of motion. It shows that both the methods of stretching were effective but the PNF group shows more improvement than static group, so the PNF stretching is more effective than static stretching