Comparison between dynamic oscillatory stretch technique and static stretching in reduced hamstring flexibility in healthy population: A single blind randomized control trial.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of dynamic oscillatory stretch and static stretching techniques in order to improve hamstring extensibility in healthy individuals with asymptomatic hamstring tightness.

METHODS

The single-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted from March to June 2018 at Sadiq Hospital, Sargodha Institute of Health Sciences, and District Headquarter Teaching Hospital,Sargodha, Pakistan, and comprised young healthy individuals with hamstring tightness who were randomly divided into groups 1 and 2, with the former getting exposure to oscillatory stretch technique and the latter to static stretching technique. Assessment of hamstring length was done using reliable clinical measurement test along with pain for stretch tolerance during passive straight leg raise using numeric pain rating scale. Measurements were taken at baseline, immediate (10min) and 1 hourpost-intervention. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.

RESULTS

Of the 83 subjects, 42(%) were in group 1 with a mean age of 24.22±4.09 years, and 41(%) were in group 2 with a mean age of 25.85±6.09 years.Group1 showed significantly more improvement in all variables of hamstring flexibility and perceived pain at both post-intervention checkups compared to group 2 (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Dynamic oscillatory stretch technique was found to be more effective in improving hamstring flexibility and perceived pain compared to static stretching technique.