IMMEDIATE EFFECT OF APPLICATION OF BILATERAL SELF MYO-FASCIAL RELEASE ON THE PLANTAR SURFACE OF THE FOOT ON HAMSTRING AND LUMBAR SPINE FLEXIBILITY: A QUASI EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Divya G Patel, Neeta J Vyas, Megha S Sheth

ABSTRACT

Background: Flexibility is the ability to move a single or series of joints smoothly and easily through an unrestricted, pain-free range of motion. Decreased hamstring flexibility is considered to be a predisposing factor for lower back pain and injury. The purpose of the study was to see the immediate effect of a single session of self-myofascial release on plantar aspect of foot, on hamstring and lumbar spine flexibility.

Methodology: A Quasi experimental study was conducted on 30 subjects who were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group A-self-myofascial release was given. Group B was a control group (no therapy).Baseline and post flexibility was assessed by sit-and-reach test (SRT) and Active Knee Extension (AKE) test.

Results: Within group analysis in group A showed significant difference in both AKE (right and left) scores and sit and reach scores (p<0.05).Within group analysis for group B also  showed significant difference in AKE (right and left) scores and sit and reach scores(p<0.05). Between group analysis for AKE (right and left) score showed significant difference (p<0.05).But there was no significant difference in between group analysis for sit and reach score (p>0.05).

Conclusion: A single session of SMR on bilateral plantar aspect of foot is effective in increasing hamstrings length, but there was no change seen in lumbar spine flexibility in young asymptomatic individuals.

Keywords: Self myofascial release; Anatomy trains; hamstring flexibility ,lumbar spine flexibility


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