Comparative effects of dry needling and instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization on hamstring tightness in patients with posterior pelvic tilt: A pilot study

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the impacts of dry needling (DN) and instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization on hip flexion, active knee extension (AKE), and posterior pelvic tilt (PPT) in participants with hamstring tightness. Methods: A randomized clinical pilot study was conducted at the District Headquarter Hospital and tertiary hospitals in the District Nankana Sahib, Pakistan. The study’s sample size was 36, and participants were randomized equally into two treatment groups. Group A received DN, and Group B underwent treatment with instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization. Hamstring tightness was assessed using an inclinometer to measure the range of motion for AKE and bilateral straight leg raise (BSLR). PPT was measured using an inclinometer at baseline and after treatment of four weeks. Results: Both groups showed a significant disparity in the mean of pre-and post-treatment values ( P < 0.05) of AKE, BSLR, and PPT. A statistically significant disparity was found between both groups on AKE, BSLR, and PPT ( P < 0.05) post-treatment of 4 weeks. Conclusion: Both DN and instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization were found to be beneficial for enhancing hamstring flexibility by improving hip and knee joint mobility. On the other hand, instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization was superior in increasing active knee extension, BSLR, and reducing PPT.