Published Paper Details:

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Many people suffer with tight Hamstring. Tight Hamstring can also be responsible for postural problems and other back problems as they will tend to pull pelvic out of normal position. Hamstring tightness can be caused by genetic reason. Children born with naturally short Hamstring when some people are naturally supple, not enough stretching, problems in the lower back can put pressure on the sciatic nerve which runs down the leg and causes muscles to tighten. OBJECTIVE: To find out the effectiveness of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching on flexibility of Hamstring tightness. METHODOLOGY: This study was conducted in Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rajah Muthiah Medical College and hospital, Annamalai University. 30 Male subjects were selected for this study. The technique of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching (contract Relax method) was applied as the treatment programme. The subject were assessed for the range of motion of knee joint before the application of technique. Treatment was given 2 sessions a day using contract relax technique with help of Stretch Out Strap (SOS) band maintaining the knee in extension for 15 to 20 second. This treatment was repeated for 4 days. After the final day treatment the subject was reevaluated for the knee joint range of motion at the end of session. RESULT: The Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching technique has been effective in decreasing Hamstring tightness. The improvement was statistically significant at p<0.001. So, this study shows that there was significant improvement in the range of motion in both legs after the treatment. CONCLUSION : Based on the results, the study conclude that the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation ( PNF) techniques ( contract Relax method) I effective in relieving Hamstring tightness. All the 30 subjects were shown a significant improvement in increasing range of motion and extension of knee joint. KEY WORDS: Hamstring tightness, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), Contract Relax Method, Stretch Out Strap, Range of Motion