Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Effectiveness of Post Isometric Relaxation versus Static Stretching in Lower Limb Flexibility among Asymptomatic Healthy Individuals

Purpose: The objective of this study was to observe the effectiveness of Post isometric relaxation versus static stretching in lower limbs among asymptomatic healthy individuals. Methods: This randomized controlled trial study was carried out in students of Shifa Tameer e Millat University from December 2021 to July 2022. 49 participants of both genders were included through non probability convenient sampling on the basis of inclusion criteria of both genders with age range of 18-25years. Participants with any history of any trauma, fractures, meniscal injuries, systemic illness and any lower limb musculoskeletal deformities were excluded from the study. A self-structured questionnaire was used to obtain demographics; a standard questionnaire; Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and outcome measures; active knee extension, straight leg raise, standard sit and reach and finger to floor distance tests were used. The participants were divided into two groups, Group A received post isometric relaxation technique and Group B received static Stretching. The data collected was analyzed by using SPSS software version 21. Results: The mean age of participants in Post Isometric Relaxation group was 22.083±1.44 and 21.72±1.62 in Static Stretching group. The with group analysis showed significant results as p value was less than 0.05. Whereas for between group analysis p value was greater than 0.05 so no significant improvement was observed at post level. Conclusion: The current study concluded that no treatment technique was superior than the other as both were equally effective for hamstring flexibility in asymptomatic individuals.