Effect of ballistic stretching versus PNF hold-relax stretching on hamstrings flexibility in non-athletic young adults

Abstract

To assess the effect of Ballistic stretching versus PNF Hold Relax stretching on hamstrings flexibility in non-athletic young adults. Study design included pre-post control and experimental group design. Participants were 43 non-athletic healthy young adults between age groups of 20-30 years. Purposive sampling was done and the subjects were randomly allocated in 2 groups. Group I received hot pack and therapist-applied PNF stretching. This group received 3 repetitions of PNF Hold Relax in each session. Group II received hot pack and self-stretch ballistic stretching. This group received 3 exercises which were performed for 3 sets, 30 seconds each. Outcome measures included 90–90 Straight Leg Raising Test measured by Universal goniometer. Each group received stretching on 5 consecutive days. Intragroup analysis showed that both techniques were statistically extremely significant (<0.0001). The Intergroup analysis showed that difference between effectiveness of both techniques were not statistically significant bilaterally (Right- 0.0706 and Left- 0.6251). This study concluded that though there is no significant difference between PNF Hold-Relax stretching and Ballistic stretching on hamstrings flexibility in healthy young adults, both are effective treatment methods.