2024, Vol. 11, Issue 1, Part A

Introduction: Foam rolling breaks up the fibrous adhesions in the fascia, which enables the muscle to glide freely, thus improving range of motion ^[1]. Post isometric relaxation refers to the effect of reduced tone experienced by a muscle/group of muscle, after brief periods of isometric relaxation ^[2]. A lack in hamstring extensibility induces changes in lumbopelvic rhythm, causes hamstring strain or low back pain ^[3].

Objective: 1. To determine the immediate effect of Post isometric relaxation technique on hamstring tightness in collegiate students.

2. To determine the immediate effect of foam rolling on hamstring tightness in collegiate students.

3. To compare the immediate effect of post isometric relaxation versus foam rolling on hamstring tightness in collegiate students.

Method: Total 20 subjects were included in the study based on the inclusion criteria that individuals must have AKE lag greater than 20˚ and exclusion criteria includes individuals with recent lower extremity injury, low back pain or AKE lag less than 20˚. After taking an informed written consent subjects were divided into 2 groups by using Simple random sampling method. Materials include foam roller, universal goniometer. Pre-intervention AKE test was taken. Group A received Post Isometric Relaxation and Group B received Foam Rolling technique for hamstring tightness. Post-intervention AKE test was taken immediately.

Results: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 16.0. Within group analysis was done by using Wilcoxon signed rank test and between groups analysis was done using Mann whitney U test. Both the interventions Post isometric relaxation and Foam rolling technique were found significant within group analysis. Between group analysis for Post isometric relaxation and Foam rolling technique showed insignificant result.

Conclusion: The present study concludes that Post isometric relaxation and Foam rolling technique are equally significant statistically and effective for hamstring tightness in clinical practice.

Clinical implication: Post isometric relaxation and foam rolling technique are equally effective for hamstring tightness, hence can be easily advocated into daily Physical therapy practice.