Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Science

Background: Decreased flexibility of Hamstrings has a negative impact on the posture of lumbopelvic region and was considered as a cause of low back pain. It is also a major contributing factor for lumbar spine disorders, hamstring strains and other sports related injuries. Objective: This study was conducted to compare the effects of Neurodynamic Tensioner (NT) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching on hamstring flexibility in subjects with short hamstring syndrome. Methods: Forty subjects with short hamstring syndrome participated in this study. Subjects were divided into two groups; each group consisted of twenty subjects: group A, Their mean ± SD age, weight, height and BMI were 23.6 ± 3.85 years, 63.95 ± 9.52 kg, 168.6 ± 7.91 cm and 22.37 ± 1.8 kg/m² respectively, received NT in slump position; and group B, Their mean ± SD age, weight, height and BMI were 24.8 ± 3.31 years, 61.85 ± 12.04 kg, 166 ± 10.86 cm and 22.21 ± 1.81 kg/m² respectively, received the PNF (hold- relax) stretching. Knee Flexion angle (KFA) in degrees was measured using the Active Knee Extension (AKE) test with using a digital goniometer. Results: There was no significant difference in the KFA between group A and B pretreatment (p = 0.75), There was a significant increase in the KFA in both groups A and B post treatment compared with pretreatment (p = 0.0001), There was no significant difference in the KFA between group A and B post treatment (p = 0.38). Conclusions: Neurodynamic tensioner and PNF-HR stretching are equally effective in increasing hamstring flexibility in subjects with short hamstring syndrome

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