Comparison of Immediate effect of Muscle Energy Technique V/S Myo-Fascial release on Muscle Length and Functional Performance in Participants with Hamstring and Gastrosoleus Muscle Tightness – A Prospective Cohort Study

Muscle tightness is a complex condition characterized by limitation in joint ROM. The tightness in the muscle produces and causes asymmetry and restricts flexibility leading to loss of partial or full function for the affected muscle or muscle group. Muscle tightness is caused by a sedentary lifestyle and inadequate or low levels of physical activity which leads to a decrease in the ability of the muscle to deform, leading to a decrease in the range of motion at the joint on which it acts. The prolonged sitting hours required in most of the jobs, and educational systems can affect the flexibility of muscles and soft tissues, which is seen commonly in young students who have to attend long sedentary hours of teaching. Tightness of hamstring muscles have been linked to low back pain and abnormal gait and movement dysfunction in the lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower limbs. Hamstring tightness also affects physical performance.

Physical performance is primarily measured by walking speed, balance, power, agility among others which are assessed using the lower limbs and are significantly influenced by hamstring and gastrosoleus length and strength.

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and myo-fascial release (foam rolling) are the techniques which can efficiently improve the flexibility of muscles and have beneficial impact on functional activities in a short span of time

This study compares two of the primary lower limb muscles’ relationships with optimal length, flexibility, and association with functional performance immediately following two distinct release techniques in college students with Hamstring and Gastrosoleus tightness in order to determine which of the two release techniques has a greater influence on functional performance.