Efficacy of Eccentric Training and Muscle Energy Technique on Hamstring Flexibility in Sedentary College Students

Purpose of study: Muscular flexibility is an important aspect of normal human function . Limited flexibility has been shown to affect a person's level of function. Purpose of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of Eccentric Training and Muscle Energy Technique on hamstring flexibility in sedentary college students and to compare the effect between the boys and girls.

Methodology: 40 healthy college students between the age groups of 18- 25 years were selected and were randomly assigned to two study groups. Group 1 (n= 20) subjects were treated with Eccentric Training where as Group 2 (n= 20) subjects were treated with Muscle Energy Technique. And each Group comprising of equal ratio of boys and girls. Treatment was given for 14 consecutive days and a follow up measurement was done one week after cessation of intervention. The outcome was measured in terms of Active knee extension test and Sit and reach test. Each intervention was performed for duration of 30 sec.

Results: There was a significant difference in range of motion in Active knee extension test b/etween both the groups with (p= 0.005) in right side and left side (p=0.10), whereas in Sit and reach test there is no significant difference between both the groups with (p= 0.219) according to the paired and unpaired t- test.

Conclusion: Results indicate that muscle energy technique is significantly improving hamstring flexibility. But there is no statically significant difference in muscle flexibility between boys and girl.