Immediate Effects of Bowen Technique Versus Mulligan Bent Leg Raise on Hamstring Tightness in Dominant Leg of College Going Students: A Comparative Study

Introduction: Hamstring muscles, crucial for knee flexion and hip extension, are located at the back of the thigh. Tight hamstrings can lead to discomfort, movement impairments, and lower back pain. This study investigates the immediate effectiveness of Mulligan Bent Leg Raise (MBLR) and Bowen Technique in improving hamstring flexibility in college students aged 17-25 years. Methodology: A comparative study was conducted with 24 eligible participants from a physiotherapy department. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: Group-MBLR (n=12) and Group-Bowen Technique (n=12). The MBLR technique involved isometric contractions of the hamstring muscles at various knee flexion angles, while the Bowen Technique used gentle myofascial release movements. Baseline and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the Active Knee Extension (AKE) test. Results: Both techniques effectively increased hamstring flexibility, with no adverse effects reported. SPSS software version 21 was used for all tests and calculations. Baseline demographic details and outcome scores were heterogeneous, with a p-value < 0.05. Pre-and post-intervention comparisons using the paired t-test revealed significant differences within both groups for AKE scores (p < 0.05). However, the independent t-test showed no significant difference in AKE scores between the two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study concludes that both Mulligan Bent Leg Raise (MBLR) and Bowen Technique are effective for improving hamstring muscle flexibility in college students.