Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B (2024)

Background: Muscle tightness or lack of flexibility is usually proposed as an inherent risk factor for the occurrence of hamstring injury. Good muscle flexibility will allow muscle tissue to accommodate imposed stress more efficiently and allow efficient and effective movement. So, this study identifies the best effective training method for improving hamstring flexibility. This study aims to investigate and compare the effectiveness of eccentric training and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation stretching on hamstring flexibility.

Methodology: An experimental study of the pre-post design was implemented. The study was conducted on 60 athletes (males=27, females= 33) of 100,200- & 400-meter runners of age group 18-26 years presenting with Bilateral hamstring tightness. The selected Runners were randomly allocated into two equal groups (n=30). Interventions for two groups (PNF-CRAC stretching & eccentric training) were provided for a total duration of 3 weeks (5 sessions per week). Active Knee Extension Test, Passive Straight Leg Raise Test, and Sit and Reach Test were the pre- and post-intervention outcome measures.

Results: The results were analyzed using independent and paired t-test. The findings suggested that both groups A & B (PNF stretching and eccentric training) showed significant improvement in hamstring flexibility (p< 0.001). However, Group-A showed greater improvement when compared with Group-B.

Conclusion: The study concludes that both PNF-CRAC and Eccentric training are effective for improving hamstring flexibility. However, PNF stretching resulted in greater improvement when compared.