Comparing the Effects of Mulligan Straight Leg Raising Exercise and Post-Facilitation Stretching Exercises on Hamstring Flexibility in Physiotherapy Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and purpose Tight hamstring muscles are a common musculoskeletal condition that can negatively impact function and increase injury risk. Physiotherapists use various techniques like the ‘muscle energy technique (MET) and Mulligan straight leg raise (SLR)’ to improve flexibility. Evidence comparing these methods is limited. The objective was to compare the effectiveness of ;muscle energy technique and Mulligan straight leg raise’ for improving hamstrings flexibility. Materials and Methods A parallel group randomized controlled trial was conducted at the outpatient physiotherapy clinic of a university hospital. Forty-six healthy subjects aged 18-25 years, with an active knee extension loss of 20-50 degrees with the hip and knee at a 90-degree popliteal angle were randomly allocated into three groups: Muscle energy technique, Mulligan straight leg raise, and control. Subjects received their respective interventions thrice weekly for four weeks. The “active knee extension test (AKET)”, “passive compliance and passive peak torque were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results Both the Muscle energy technique and Mulligan straight leg raise groups showed significant improvements in ‘active knee extension test, passive compliance, and passive peak torque’ (p<0.005). However, ‘muscle energy technique’ demonstrated greater improvements compared to Mulligan SLR and control groups. Conclusion ‘Muscle energy technique’ appears to be more effective than Mulligan straight leg raise in improving hamstring flexibility, suggesting its potential as a preferred method in physiotherapy for treating hamstring tightness. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of Muscle energy technique and the potential benefits of a maintenance program.