Two Methods for Improvement of Short Hamstrings in Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Background: Shortness of skeletal muscles may cause musculoskeletal disorders of body; improvement of these muscles may improve posture and body function. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of ultrasound (US) together with stretch and hold relax (HR) techniques in increasing the muscle length. Materials and Methods: It was a randomized trial with intention-to-treat analysis and assessor blinding. A total of 34 male students (18-24 years old) who had bilateral hamstring shortness (straight leg raise (SLR) < 65 degrees) were candidates for the study. Group one received US with stretching, group two received HR method and group three or control group did not receive any special treatment and had their normal daily living activities. Group one received stretching with 3 MHz continuous US (1.5 W/cm 2 ) for four minutes. Group two (HR) received four cycles of HR training including 20 seconds of contraction and 10 seconds of relaxation. The hamstring muscle was passively taken to the end of the range. The assessment methods included passive SLR and passive knee extension (PKE), using goniometry. Results:The results of the study (SLR and PKE) indicated that the mean of range of motion( ROM ) in the two treatment groups increased significantly during the treatment period, compared to the control group. Comparison of the two treatment methods, US with stretch and HR, revealed that there was no significant difference between the two methods in terms of ROM in SLR and passive extension. Conclusions: The two treatment methods had similar effects and there were no significant difference between them, while significant improvement was seen in the experimental groups compared with the control group.

Effect of thoracic mobilization exercises on hamstring flexibility: a randomized controlled trial

“…Flexibility is a fundamental property of reducing the risk of injury and muscle soreness and maintaining normal biomechanical functions [ 1 , 2 ]. The hamstring is a muscle group that commonly has reduced flexibility and causes lower extremity injuries including strain, lower and upper back pain, patellar tendinopathy, and patella femoral pain [ 3 4 ].…”

A Comparative Study on Effect of Non-Ballistic Active Knee Extension in Neural Slump Position Versus Post Isometric Relaxation Techniques on Hamstring Flexibility in Sedentary Workers

“…Most people have short hamstrings as a result of spending a long time seated every day. (5) Adequate flexibility is an important characteristic of physical and health related fitness. Lack of flexibility is associated with problems in executing and sustaining various activities in daily life.…”

“…Lack of flexibility is associated with problems in executing and sustaining various activities in daily life. (5) Importance of flexibility as a component of healthrelated fitness is related to prevention of orthopaedic impairments later in life, especially lower back pain. Flexible muscles permit proper pelvic rotation, decrease disc compression, and avoid excessive stretch of musculatures.…”

“…Flexible muscles permit proper pelvic rotation, decrease disc compression, and avoid excessive stretch of musculatures. (5) The sedentary work nature has been the root cause for a variety of musculoskeletal disorders and discomforts which are broadly classified under the umbrella of Work-Related Musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD). WRMSDs are disorders of the muscles, skeleton and related tissues which have been caused by a work place activity (particularly a repetitive activity).…”

“…The common musculoskeletal symptoms reported are pain (55%) stiffness (14.8%) and the common sites affected are neck (44%), low back (30.5%), wrist/hand (19%) and shoulder (12.5%). (5) Pradip B et al stated that 96.7% of people having tight hamstring in prolonged desk job doing IT professionals at South Bangalore. As desk job workers develop tightness of hamstring which make them prone to low back pain or other symptoms associated with back or hip, prolonged hours of sitting, work without breaks.…”