A novel approach to improve hamstring flexibility: A single-blinded randomised clinical trial

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Physiotherapy
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Hamstring tightness impacts posture and can lead to musculoskeletal pain.
• Improving hamstring flexibility is crucial for postural alignment and pain management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel method for enhancing hamstring flexibility in young adults.
• To compare the efficacy of different intervention techniques on hamstring flexibility.

Main Methods:

• A single-blinded randomized clinical trial involving 60 young adults with shortened hamstrings.
• Interventions included passive stretching (PS) alone, PS with neurodynamic technique (ND), or PS with quadriceps activation (QA).
• Hamstring flexibility was measured using knee extension range of motion with a goniometer.

Main Results:

• The quadriceps activation (QA) group showed significantly greater improvement in hamstring flexibility compared to the passive stretching (PS) group (13.4 ± 12.1° vs. 6.2 ± 6.4°, p=0.05).
• All intervention groups (PS, ND, QA) demonstrated significant improvements in hamstring flexibility from pre- to post-intervention (p<0.001).
• The QA group achieved the most substantial increase in flexibility (13.4 ± 12.1°).

Conclusions:

• Quadriceps activation following passive hamstring stretching is a more effective method for improving hamstring flexibility than PS or ND techniques.
• This combined approach can be effectively integrated into physiotherapy practices to enhance hamstring flexibility.