Effects of static stretching and neurodynamic mobilization on hamstring flexibility in elderly population- A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Muscle tightness may be a common impact of aging caused because of cross-linking of fibers. The joints become stiffer and less flexible as we tend to age. The cartilage could begin to rub along and wear away with time. Hamstring muscle is one of the common muscle found to be tight in an individual and is the potential cause for low back issues altering the lumbopelvic rhythm in them. Various studies have compared numerous techniques to see which technique is best for increasing joint range of motion (ROM). However, there are limited studies comparing the results of static stretching and neurodynamic mobilization on hamstring flexibility in elderly. Methods: 20 subjects aged 65-75 years with hamstring tightness were randomly allocated to two groups. Group A (n=10) received static stretching and Group B (n=10) received neurodynamic mobilization. Both the groups received 10 sessions of treatment, 5 consecutive days for 2 weeks. Passive Knee Extension (PKE) and Passive Straight Leg Raise (PSLR) measurements were measured before and after 2 weeks of intervention. Static stretching was given for 60 seconds and neural mobilization was given in form of sliders. Results: Independent sample t-test was employed in order to verify within group analysis that showed significant improvement in hamstring flexibility after 2 weeks of intervention. Comparison between the group was done using paired t test that demonstrated non-significant differences (level of significance is p