EFFICACY OF ACTIVE STRETCHING IN IMPROVING THE HAMSTRING FLEXIBILITY

Introduction: Various stretching methods are available to improve the flexibility of the muscles which is proven to produce effects on the muscles. The purpose of this study was to find out the effectiveness of sum of the techniques used to improve the flexibility of the muscles. Both these stretching techniques are used to improve the flexibility. But the purpose of the study is to find the existing difference between these two stretching techniques (active stretching and passive stretching) in the improvement of flexibility in foot ball. Study design: Experimental study design with pre and post test design. Procedure: As per the selection criteria sixty subjects are selected, they are divides into two groups each group consists of thirty subjects, the tightness of the hamstring muscles are measured by using the Goniometer. Where in Group A administered the active stretching with with 30 seconds hold time and In the Group B administrated passive stretching with 30 seconds hold time. Both of stretches are given for five times per day. The post test measurements are taken after the successful course of six weeks of stretching. Statistical tools: The paired t-test was used for the comparison within two groups. The comparison of both the Pre and Post test results of each groups are statistically analyzed. Result: When comparing the pre test measurements in both the groups there is no significance, the value is 0.865 “p” value is greater than 0.05, so there is no significance. When comparing the post and pre test results of Group A and Group B, the values shows there is significance in the results, the value of 0.002 is less than that of the “p” value of 0.05 so there is significance. This results shows that the active stretching is more effective than the passive stretching Conclusion: The present study helps to conclude that the patient treated with active stretching will have the better improvement in the flexibility of hamstring muscles, so while treating the football players either for training or for rehabilitation active stretching is more effective method for flexibility.