IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF POST FACILITATION STRETCH TECHNIQUE ON STRAIGHT LEG RAISE WITH/WITHOUT THORACO-LUMBER DIRECT MYOFACIAL RELEASE IN NON-SYMPTOMATIC ADULTS

Abstract

Background: Hamstring tightness is a condition which if it is remaining untreated it could be related later on to the posture imbalance and movement restriction. There are many techniques to increase the elasticity of hamstrings.  Post facilitation stretching (PFS) along with thoraco-lumbar direct myofascial release (MFR) technique is emerging as a novel therapy for improving hamstring muscle length. Objective: To determine the immediate effects of post facilitation stretching technique on SLR with/without thoraco-lumber direct myofascial release on straight leg raise among non-symptomatic adults. Methods: A randomized control trial (RCT) was conducted at FIMS College of rehabilitation Abbottabad Pakistan after approval from HOD. A total of n=24 non symptomatic adults were recruited through non-probability convenient sampling technique. The inclusion criteria were non symptomatic adults with tight hamstrings, age group 18 to 40 years, normal healthy adults, both gender groups, SLR (passive) of 80° degree or less, finger floor distance of 5 cm or more. The participants were than randomly divided into two control group (n=12) and experimental group (n=12). The post facilitation stretch technique was applied in both groups, but experimental group additionally received thoraco-lumber direct myofascial release technique as well. To assess the total mobility of the lumbo-pelvic region and hamstring elasticity fingertip to floor distance was measured and straight leg raise test with the help of goniometer. The data was collected at the baseline and immediately after session. Results: The mean age of the study participant was 23.41±2.31 years. The pre-post analysis showed that right and left straight leg raise (SLR) as well as fingertip floor distance were significantly (p<0.001) improved immediately after the intervention with large effect size. When compared both groups immediately after the intervention, experimental group which received myofascial release in addition post facilitation stretch showed more significant improvement with large effect size in right & left SLR and fingertip floor distance (p<0.001) as compared to control group where only post facilitation stretch technique was applied. Conclusions: The present study concluded that post facilitation stretch along with the thoracolumbar direct myofascial release technique significantly improve hamstrings flexibility. The efficacy of thoracolumbar direct myofascial release has contributed in increasing SLR and Finger Floor Distance tests parameters.

Keywords: hamstring, muscle length, myofascial release, muscle energy technique, post facilitation stretch, stretching exercises.