A comparison of muscle energy technique and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise on hamstring muscle flexibility and pain reduction in individuals with hamstring tightness

Introduction. Working in a seated position for an extended period can lead to hamstring stiffness. Objective. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) exercises in sedentary individuals experiencing hamstring tightness. Material and Methods. Thirty-eight sedentary individuals with hamstring tightness (males, aged 35 – 55 years) were randomly assigned to group 1 (MET, n = 19), which performed MET exercises, or group 2 (PNF, n = 19), which performed PNF exercises. Both exercise interventions were conducted 5 times per week for two weeks. Hamstring length was measured using the active knee extension (AKE) test, and pain during the AKE test was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results. The statistical analysis of AKE revealed a significant effect of time (p < 0.001) and group (p = 0.022). However, there was no significant interaction between time and group (p = 0.144). Further post-hoc analysis demonstrated a notable improvement in AKE from baseline in both groups. Additionally, the analysis of VAS showed a significant interaction between time and group (p = 0.016), as well as a significant effect of time (p < 0.001), but not for the effect of group (p = 0.778). Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant improvement in VAS from baseline in both groups, with greater improvement observed in the PNF group (p = 0.016). Conclusion. Both MET and PNF exercise interventions appeared to be equally effective in increasing hamstring extensibility; however, PNF exercises reduced pain more significantly during maximal hamstring extension.