Effect of Muscle Energy Technique Vs Effect of Neural Tissue Mobilization on Hamstring Tightness In Young Adults

Background: Muscular tightness is frequently postulated as an intrinsic risk factor for the development of a muscle injury. Lack of flexibility has been suggested as a predisposing factor to hamstring strains. Aim and objective: To compare the effect of Muscle Energy Technique and Neural Tissue Mobilization technique for improving hamstring flexibility. Methodology: Total 100 Young Individuals aged 18 to 35 years were evaluated for Hamstring tightness. Amongst these 60 individuals satisfying inclusion criteria were recruited and randomly allotted into two groups Muscle Energy Technique (Group A, n=30, mean age 24.73 ±4.53 yrs) and Neural Tissue Mobilization (Group B, n=30, mean age 24.3±4.21yrs). All participants were assessed for hamstring tightness and pre and post intervention using Active Knee Extension (AKE) test, Straight Leg Raise (SLR) and Finger to Toe Touch (FTT) test. The intervention was carried out for three session/week for four weeks. Results: At the end of four weeks, for Group A, the AKE reduced from 49.3±4.8 to 36.33±6.86, SLR improved from 54.1±15.36 to 73.43±9.30, whereas FTT reduced from 61±2.66 to 6.55±2.26. For Group B the AKE reduced from 42.53±7.77 to 30.93±4.46, SLR improved from 57±12.15 to73.56±5.84, whereas FTT reduced from 7.45±2.75 to 5.6±2.17. Between the groups comparison, Group A showed higher improvements in AKE (P<0.0001), SLR (P<0.0001) and FTT (P=0.0002) as compared Group B. Conclusion: Muscle Energy Technique and Neural Tissue Mobilization techniques showed significant improvement in hamstring flexibility. Muscle Energy Technique is more effective than Neural Tissue Mobilization for improving hamstring flexibility in young adults.