Year: 2025 | Month: April-June | Volume: 10 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 138-146
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20250216
Effect of Jack-Knife Stretching Versus Active Stretching to Improve Hamstring Flexibility in Students with Hamstring Tightness
Sangeetha Kumari1, Dr Ajith Kumar A2, Dr Mohammed Rafi3, Dr Sowjanya Maruboyina4
1,2,3,4Department Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health science, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr Ajith Kumar A
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The hamstring muscles, positioned at the posterior aspect of the thigh, play a key role in enabling knee flexion. Tightness in these muscles arises when their ability to lengthen is diminished, leading to reduced joint mobility. With a rise in sedentary behavior, the incidence of hamstring tightness is rising among young adults, particularly students. This study aimed to compare the effects of jack knife stretching and active stretching techniques on hamstring tightness in students.
MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: A comparative research design was adopted with participants selected through convenience sampling. Ethical clearance was secured prior to data collection. Fifty participants were divided into two groups: Group A received Jack Knife stretching, and Group B received Active stretching. Evaluation parameters included Active Knee Extension Test, Finger to Floor Distance Test, and Numerical Pain Rating Scale.
RESULTS: The result demonstrated that both stretching interventions produced improvements in hamstring flexibility. Significant progress was observed in both groups after a four-week intervention. While no significant difference was found between the groups in most of the outcome measures, Jack Knife stretching showed a greater improvement in right knee extension post-intervention.
CONCLUSION: Both stretching methods are beneficial and can be used in therapeutic settings to enhance hamstring flexibility. Jack Knife stretching may offer additional advantages in improving functional movements, particularly knee extension.
Keywords: Hamstring tightness, Jack Knife stretching, Active stretching, Active Knee Extension Test, Finger to Floor Distance Test, Numerical Pain Rating Scale.