A Comparison of Novel Treatment Interventions to Improve Hamstring Range of Motion

Purpose: Perceived hamstring tightness is a prevalent condition caused by multiple factors, including anterior pelvic tilt and neural tension. Traditional treatments, such as static stretching, do not address these underlying conditions. This study aimed to determine the short-term effectiveness of two neuromuscular treatment techniques for increasing hamstring flexibility compared with a traditional static stretching technique. Methods: Hamstring range of motion was measured using PSLR and AKE pre-and post-intervention for two treatment sessions and again as a single discharge measurement one week after the first treatment session. Three treatments were studied: Primal Reflex Release Technique, Neurodynamic Sliding Technique, Static Stretching, and a control group. Forty-two participants (n=42) collegiate student athletes between the ages of 18-24 were included in this analysis. MANOVA testing was used to analyze the effectiveness of the treatment across the five time points. Results: Significant improvements in hamstring flexibility were observed in the left PSLR measurements among all treatment groups, with no significant changes noted in the AKE or right PSLR measurements. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that PRRT, NST, and SS can enhance hamstring flexibility in the short term; however, further research is needed to assess their long-term effectiveness.