Effects of Different Stretching Times on Range of Motion in Patients with Hamstring Tightness: A Randomised Control Trial

Abstract

Hamstring tightness is commonest cause of altered biomechanics of ankle, knee, hip and spine. Long persistent tightness results in pain, decreased range of motion and others pathologies in knee joint. Stretching techniques are used to treat muscle tightness. In clinical settings, different stretch holding times
are used to treat hamstring tightness. The purpose of the study was to determine effects of different static stretch holding-times on hamstring muscles flexibility and their impacts on improving range of motion (ROM) of knee extension in adults. This experimental work was conducted on students of University of Lahore
from December 2013 to March 2014. The study comprised of 60 subjects with asymptomatic tightness of hamstrings muscles and subjects were aged between 18-26 years (irrespective of their gender). Range of motion at knee joint was measured by universal goniometer before the commencement of stretching technique. Static stretching was applied to group A, B and C with 30, 60 and 90 seconds holds, respectively. Stretches were exerted at frequency of three sessions per week and three repetitions per session. Reevaluation of ROM was performed after 4 and 6 weeks. The mean values of ROM of knee extension showed gain
in range after applying static stretching at 30s, 60s and 90s holding times. By applying repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA), the p-values were found to be statistically significant (p<0.001) for static stretching techniques with 30s, 60s, 90s holding times, respectively. Based on these finding, it is plausible to
conclude that application of static stretching at holding times of 30, 60 and 90 seconds can significantly improve the ROM of knee extension. Stretching techniques with different holding times were equally effective in improving knee extension and gaining hamstring flexibility in adults.