Immediate Effect of Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition Technique Versus Hip Hinge Exercise Stretching on Individuals with Hamstring Tightness - A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective: To compare the immediate effect of suboccipital muscle inhibition technique and hip hinge exercise stretching on individuals with hamstring tightness. [Method] 42 individuals with hamstring tightness were assigned to two groups: Group A, which received the suboccipital muscle inhibition technique, and Group B which received the hip hinge exercise stretching. Active knee extension test [AKET] was taken as an outcome measure. Results: Analysis of data was done using nonparametric test. The data within the group was analysed using Wilcoxon signed rank test. Between group the data was compared with Mann- Whitney U test. The outcome was determined to be statistically significant (p value 0.000) for both groups. Inter group analysis revealed p value <0.05. Conclusion: Both, Suboccipital muscle inhibition technique and hip hinge exercise stretching have an immediate effect on the flexibility of hamstring muscle. However, hip hinge exercise stretching was more effective in increasing hamstring flexibility. Key words: Hamstring tightness, suboccipital muscle inhibition, hip hinge exercise, active knee extension test.