Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy-An International Journal

Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access
Open Access Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Restricted Access Subscription Access

Comparing Hold Relax - Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Static Stretching Techniques in Management of Hamstring Tightness


Affiliations
1 Rehabilitation School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, Islamic Republic of
     

   Subscribe/Renew Journal


Introduction: Hamstring tightness may result in several conditions of the knee and spine such as anterior knee pain and low back pain. Stretching is a preventive and therapeutic technique in these situations. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of static stretching and hold-relax PNF on increasing the extensibility of hamstring muscles.

Method & material: 51 male subjects in the age range of 18 to 30 entered to the study and randomly assigned to one of the three groups of static stretching, hold-relax PNF and control. The extensibility of hamstring was assessed by Active Knee Extension Test (AKET). The treatments in both static stretching and PNF groups were applied for six sessions during the study.

Findings: At the end of the treatment period, we found a significant difference in hamstring extensibility among the study groups. Hamstring extensibility was significantly larger in both treatment groups compared to the control group (p

Conclusion: The present study suggests that hold relax - PNF is more effective than static stretching in increasing the hamstring extensibility. Therefore, application of this technique and education of that may be more useful for either patients with hamstring contracture or athletes.


Keywords

Hamstring Extensibility, Static Stretching, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), Hold Relax
Subscription Login to verify subscription
User
Notifications
Font Size


  • Morgan-Jones R, Cross T, Cross M. Hamstring injuries. Critical Reviews in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. 2000;12(4):277-82.

  • Piva SR, Goodnite EA, Childs JD. Strength around the hip and flexibility of soft tissues in individuals with and without patellofemoral pain syndrome. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2005;35(12):793-801.

  • Harty J, Soffe K, O’Toole G, Stephens MM, editors. The role of hamstring tightness in plantar fasciitis2004: JBJS (Br).

  • Norris CM. Back stability: integrating science and therapy: Human Kinetics Publishers; 2008.

  • McGill S. Low back disorders: evidence-based prevention and rehabilitation: Human Kinetics Publishers; 2007.

  • Hoskins WT, Pollard HP. Successful management of hamstring injuries in Australian Rules footballers: two case reports. Chiropr Osteopat. 2005;13(1):4.

  • Puentedura EJ, Huijbregts PA, Celeste S, Edwards D, In A, Landers MR, et al. Immediate effects of quantified hamstring stretching: Hold-relax proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation versus static stretching. Physical Therapy in Sport. 2011.

  • Schuback B, Hooper J, Salisbury L. A comparison of a self-stretch incorporating proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation components and a therapist-applied PNF-technique on hamstring flexibility. Physiotherapy. 2004;90(3):151-7.

  • Rashad AK, El-Agamy MI. Comparing Two Different Methods of Stretching on Improvement Range of Motion and Muscular Strength Rates. World. 2010;3(4):309-15.

  • Armiger P. Stretching for Functional Flexibility: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins; 2010.

  • Gremion G. The effect of stretching on sports performance and the risk of sports injury: a review of the literature. Schweiz Z Med Traumatol. 2005;53(1):6-10.

  • Colby LA, Kisner C. Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques. FA Davis; 2007.

  • Feland JB, Myrer J, Merrill R. Acute changes in hamstring flexibility: PNF versus static stretch in senior athletes* 1,* 2,* 3,* 4. Physical Therapy in Sport. 2001;2(4):186-93.

  • Yuktasir B, Kaya F. Investigation into the long-term effects of static and PNF stretching exercises on range of motion and jump performance. Journal of Bodywork and movement therapies. 2009;13(1):11-21.

  • O’Hora J, Cartwright A, Wade CD, Hough AD, Shum GLK. Efficacy of Static Stretching and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretch on Hamstrings Length After a Single Session. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2011;25(6):1586.

  • Davis DS, Ashby PE, McCale KL, McQuain JA, Wine JM. The Effectiveness of 3Stretching Techniques on Hamstring Flexibility Using Consistent Stretching Parameters. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2005;19(1): 27-32.

  • Weng M-C, Lee C-L, Chen C-H, Hsu J-J, Lee W-D, Huang M-H, et al. Effects of Different Stretching Techniques on the Outcomes of Isokinetic Exercise in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis. The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences. [doi: 10.1016/S1607-551X(09)70521-2]. 2009;25(6): 306-315.

  • Escobar-Hurtado C, Ramírez-Vélez R. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and its impact on vascular function. Colombia Médica. 2011;42(3):373-378.

  • Otsuki A, Fujita E, Ikegawa S, Kuno-Mizumura M. Muscle Oxygenation and Fascicle Length During Passive Muscle Stretching in Ballet- Trained Subjects. International journal of sports medicine. 2011;32(07):496-502.

  • Barão VAR, Gallo AKG, Zuim PRJ, Garcia AR, Assunção WG. Effect of occlusal splint treatment on the temperature of different muscles in patients with TMD. Journal of Prosthodontic Research. 2011;55(1):19-23.

  • Lounsberry NL. Therapeutic Heat: Effects of Superficial and Deep Heating Modalities on Hamstring Flexibility the osprey journal of ideas & inquiry. 2008 All Volumes (2001-2008): 138.


Abstract Views: 1663

PDF Views: 0




  • Comparing Hold Relax - Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Static Stretching Techniques in Management of Hamstring Tightness

Abstract Views: 1663  |  PDF Views: 0

Authors

Ali Ghanbari
Rehabilitation School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, Islamic Republic of
Maryam Ebrahimian
Rehabilitation School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, Islamic Republic of
Marzieh Mohamadi
Rehabilitation School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, Islamic Republic of
Alireza Najjar-Hasanpour
Rehabilitation School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, Islamic Republic of

Abstract


Introduction: Hamstring tightness may result in several conditions of the knee and spine such as anterior knee pain and low back pain. Stretching is a preventive and therapeutic technique in these situations. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of static stretching and hold-relax PNF on increasing the extensibility of hamstring muscles.

Method & material: 51 male subjects in the age range of 18 to 30 entered to the study and randomly assigned to one of the three groups of static stretching, hold-relax PNF and control. The extensibility of hamstring was assessed by Active Knee Extension Test (AKET). The treatments in both static stretching and PNF groups were applied for six sessions during the study.

Findings: At the end of the treatment period, we found a significant difference in hamstring extensibility among the study groups. Hamstring extensibility was significantly larger in both treatment groups compared to the control group (p

Conclusion: The present study suggests that hold relax - PNF is more effective than static stretching in increasing the hamstring extensibility. Therefore, application of this technique and education of that may be more useful for either patients with hamstring contracture or athletes.


Keywords


Hamstring Extensibility, Static Stretching, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), Hold Relax

References