2023, Vol. 10, Issue 1, Part F

Background: The hamstring muscle is a two joint muscle which easily get injured. There are many techniques to improve the flexibility of hamstring muscle, among them static stretching is the commonly used technique. Recently instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization has been reported to be effective in promoting the extensibility of the shortened hamstring. There was no data available for the immediate effect of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and stretching on hamstring flexibility.

Objective of the study: To investigate and compare the effects of static stretching and IASTM over hamstring flexibility using active knee extension test.

Study Design: Comparative study.

Materials and Methods: A total 90 participants aged between 18-25 years were included in the study. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A received instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). Group B received static stretching. Pre and Post intervention value of active knee extension (AKE) test were measured.

Result: The results showed within group improvement in static stretching and IASTM which was statistically significant (p˂0.05) but between group comparison showed no significant difference between static trenching and IASTM

Conclusion: In this study both the groups treated either with static stretching or IASTM had a significant effect on hamstring flexibility among healthy young individuals with hamstring tightness but when effects compared between the two groups, there was no significant difference found.