Comparison between effects of yoga postures and foam rolling exercises for improving hamstring flexibility among young population

Abstract

Introduction: Yoga practices enhance muscular strength and body flexibility. Self Myo-fascial release is a popular intervention used by both rehabilitation and fitness professional to enhance myo-fascial mobility. Common SMR tools include the foam roller. Aim: To compare effects on hamstring flexibility by foam rolling exercises and yoga postures using 90-90 straight leg raising test in young population. Procedure: A study was conducted on 100 students between age group of 18-25 for duration of 4 weeks. Group A and B each consisted of 50 subjects. Group A were given yoga postures and Group B were given foam roller. Results were analysed using 90-90 straight leg raising test and using goniometer at the end of the 4th week. Results: Data was analysed by using paired t test and unpaired t test. Within the groups(pre and post) paired t test was used. And in between the Groups unpaired t test was used. There was no dropout of the patents from the study. Conclusion: Yogaposturesandfoamrollerareclinicallysignificantforimprovinghamstringflexibility after hamstring flexibility has improved in both A and B Groups. We concluded that yoga postures may be more effective as compared to foam roller and can be given without any assistive devises but under observation by professional yoga instructor after proper evaluation of a patient by a physiotherapist.