The effects of the Bowen technique on hamstring flexibility over time: a randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Physical Therapy
• Complementary Medicine

Background:

• Limited hamstring flexibility is linked to recurrent injuries, movement dysfunction, and low back pain.
• Neuromusculoskeletal symptoms are frequently associated with reduced flexibility.
• The Bowen Technique is a recognized therapy for various conditions, including flexibility deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of the Bowen Technique on hamstring flexibility.
• To assess changes in hamstring flexibility over a one-week period following the intervention.
• To compare the effects of the Bowen Technique against a control group in asymptomatic individuals.

Main Methods:

• An assessor-blind, prospective, randomised controlled trial was conducted.
• 120 asymptomatic volunteers were randomly assigned to a control or Bowen Technique group.
• Hamstring flexibility was measured using the active knee extension test at three time points over one week.

Main Results:

• The Bowen Technique group demonstrated significant increases in hamstring flexibility over the one-week study period.
• Repeated measures analysis revealed significant within-subject and between-subject differences favoring the Bowen group.
• No significant changes in hamstring flexibility were observed in the control group over the same period.

Conclusions:

• A single Bowen Technique treatment can lead to sustained improvements in hamstring flexibility.
• The Bowen Technique shows potential as an effective intervention for addressing hamstring inflexibility.
• Further research could explore the long-term effects and clinical applications of the Bowen Technique for musculoskeletal health.