Efficacy of Retrowalking Versus Passive Static  Stretching on Hamstring Tightness And Balance in  Young Collegiate Students

Shaji John Kachanathu; Shibli Nuhmani; Dinesh Chand

Volume : III, Issue : IX, September - 2013

Efficacy of Retrowalking Versus Passive Static Stretching on Hamstring Tightness And Balance in Young Collegiate Students

Shaji John Kachanathu, Shibli Nuhmani, Dinesh Chand

Abstract :

Objectives: Hamstring flexibility (HF) plays an important role in basic movements such as walking and running. Studies have been suggested that hamstrings tightness are associated with various sports injuries. Dearth of studies done to compare the efficacy of passive static stretching (PSS) and retro walking (RW) on HF and balance. Methods: 30 collegiate students with mean age of 23.93±0.96 years participated in the study and divided into two groups, RW and PSS groups (n=15), they received RW and PSS respectively. Total duration of the study was for 6 weeks. Intervention outcomes were measured by HF and balance components. Results: Both groups RW and PSS have yielded significant improvements on the HF (p=0.000). Balance components such as static and dynamic balance were significantly increased in RW group (p=0.000), whereas PSS group showed insignificant improvement on static balance, however, 4 out of 8 directions of dynamic balance showed significant improvement. Conclusions: RW and PSS both equally helpful to increase HF. Balance is concerned, PSS is not effective as compared to RW, whereas RW contributes a significant role in both static and dynamic balance.