Comparison of Immediate and Long Term Effects of Neurodynamic Sliding, PNF Stretching and Static Stretching on Hamstring Flexibility in Young Adults with Hamstring Tightness

Hamstring flexibility is reduced due to postural adaptations and this can cause limitations in joint range of motion and muscular imbalance and can affect physical performance of a person. The Neurodynamic sliding technique, PNF stretching and Static stretching are three different techniques that have shown improvement on Hamstring flexibility. The aim of the present study is to compare the short term and long term effects of Neurodynamic sliding, PNF stretching and Static stretching on Hamstring flexibility in young subjects with hamstring tightness. A comparative study was conducted on 63 subjects, who were divided into 3 groups, A, B and C. Group A received Neurodynamic sliding, Group B received Static stretching and Group C received PNF Stretching. The intervention was given 3 times per week for 4 weeks, Pre and post test of Hamstring flexibility were assessed using passive knee extension test, Straight Leg Raise and Active Knee Extension test. Follow up values were taken after one month. The results from all three outcome measures suggest that Group B has greater short term effects when compared to other groups (p<0.05), whereas, group A have greater long term effect than group B and group C (p<0.05). The study concluded that both interventions significantly improved Hamstring flexibility, but Static stretching has greater immediate effect in improving Hamstring flexibility than other two types of stretching, whereas, Neurodynamic sliding have more long term effect. PNF stretching has immediate effects but was less significant than static stretching and their effects where not carried to long term. Key words: Hamstring flexibility, hamstring tightness, Neurodynamic sliding, PNF stretching, Static stretching, Active knee extension, Straight leg raise, passive knee extension