2024, Vol. 11, Issue 2, Part A

Background: Hamstring muscle tightness can be defined as’’ inability to extend the knee completely when the hip is flexed’’. Prevalence of hamstring muscle tightness in young college going students is 40.17%. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques involve the activation of some reflex responses and the application of physiological concepts pertaining to interaction of antagonistic muscles. Retro Walking is a translatory and dynamic activity which can be used to treat the flexibility.

Aim: To study the effect of PNF Vs Retro Walking on hamstring flexibility in college going students with hamstring tightness.

Objective: To find the effect of PNF Vs Retro Walking on hamstring flexibility in college going students with hamstring tightness.

Methodology: This research had a sample size of 100 students. The participants approval was obtained, and those wanting to engage in the study were chosen. Active knee Extension test pre-analysis was done prior to intervention. The PNF and Retro Walking was given for 1 week. Participants were randomly divided into two groups with n =50 in each group. Group A received PNF while Group B received Retro walking for 1 week.

Result: The mean (±Sd) for pre-interventional active knee extension test in group a(PNF) was 76.46±5.4256 and the mean (±Sd) for pre-interventional active knee extension test in group b (Retro walking) was 80.92±5.580.

While the mean (±SD) for post intervention active knee extension test in group a (PNF) was 76.46±5.426 and the mean (±SD) for post interventional active knee extension test in group b (retro walking) was 81.12±5.724. The results showed that both the groups were comparable. Analysis done between Pre and Post interventional data in Group A (PNF) (t=15.516, p<0.0001) and between Pre and Post interventional data collected in Group B (retro walking) (t=14.271, p<0.0001) showed that there was not significant difference. However, there was greater improvement in Active Knee Extension test scores of the Group A

Conclusion: PNF Vs Retro Walking were significant in terms of clinical outcome. Hence, the study concluded that the PNF as well as Retro Walking is effective, simple and easy to apply in Hamstring tightness subjects. So, it can be implemented clinically as well.