To Compare the Effects of the Hold-Relax Technique and Foam Roller Exercise On Hamstring Muscle Tightness, Dynamic Balance and Jump Performance Among Students of Health Sciences in Jalandhar City

Abstract

Background: Flexibility is a vital component of fitness required for desirable musculoskeletal functioning. Flexibility dysfunction is a widespread problem, especially in case of hamstring group of muscles. Tightness of hamstring may result in imbalances of muscle strength, dysfunction of anatomical kinetic chains and reduction in optimal performance. As reduced flexibility generates a vicious circle of ROM, impaired performance and pain there is a need to find an effective technique. Objective: To compare the effects of the hold-relax technique and foam roller exercise on hamstring muscle tightness, dynamic balance and jump performance among students of health sciences in Jalandhar city.  Study design: Comparative design, Quasi-Experimental in nature. Method: 60 students, both male and female with age between 18-27 years, were selected for study and subsequently segregated into three groups with 20 subjects per group. Group A was given warm up. Group B was given hold-relax PNF Technique in addition to warm up and Group C received foam roller exercise in addition to warm up. Baseline data was recorded on 1^st day pre-intervention, 5^th day and 10^th day post-intervention. 10 sessions per subject were given over 2 weeks. Hamstring muscle tightness, dynamic balance and jump performance was evaluated by Active knee extension test, Y balance test and vertical jump test respectively. Results: The result showed significant improvement in hamstring muscle tightness, dynamic balance and jump performance using Foam roller exercise. Conclusion: The present study concludes that foam roller exercise is most effective in improving hamstring muscle tightness, dynamic balance and jump performance.