Effectiveness of Contract-relax Vs Post-isometric Relaxation in Hamstring Tightness in Healthy Young Adults

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of Post-isometric Relaxation Technique VS Contract-Relax Technique to improve hamstring flexibility in healthy young adults. Method: Total 30, male and female participants,15 in each group, i.e. Group A & Group B between the age group 18 to 24 years were selected from RJS Group of Institutes, Kopargaon using random sampling method according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pre-assessment of active knee extension range of motion (ROM) was done using Active Knee Extension (AKE) test with the universal full- circle goniometer and Reading 1 was noted for each subject. The subjects in Group A were given Post-isometric relaxation, 8 seconds for 12 days and Group B were given Contract-Relax Technique, 17 seconds for 12 days. Reading 2 & Reading 3 were noted on the 6th and 12th day of the treatment session respectively. Results: The results indicate a statistically significant difference between Group A and Group B. The t-value of 5.908 and p-value of less than 0.01 provides significant support for the alternative hypothesis of Hypothesis 1. The Mean values of Group B [4.44] is significantly higher than that for Group A [2.36] which suggests that Contract-Relax technique showed more significant increase in the Active knee extension range of motion than the Post-isometric relaxation after 12 days of treatment protocol. Conclusion: The statistical data results concluded that Contract-relax technique is more effective than Post-isometric relaxation technique in improving the hamstring flexibility in healthy young adults.