Efficacy of Supine, Sitting and Standing Hamstring Stretch Positions on Flexibility in College Students: A Randomised Experimental Study

Decreased hamstring flexibility is suggested to be one of the predisposing factors for hamstring strains and hamstring stretches are routinely used as part of a pre-exercise routine, usually after an aerobic warm-up. Static self-stretch is proved to be the most effective stretching for increasing hamstring flexibility; but the hamstring muscle, stretch can be done in a variety of positions. Materials and Method: 60 with hamstring tightness, both male and female satisfying the inclusion criteria were included in the study (age 20-26 years). Their AK-ROM was measured prior to the stretching protocol and then once again three weeks post stretching protocol (which included warm up, protocol & cool down). Results: The subjects showed an improvement in ROM after stretching and that supine and sitting position of hamstring stretching showed significant improvement as compared to standing hamstring stretch. Conclusion: The subjects showed an improvement in ROM and hence increase in flexibility of the hamstring muscle. The supine position showed better improvement than the sitting and standing hamstring stretch.