COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE AND STATIC STRETCHING ON HAMSTRING FLEXIBILITY, DYNAMIC BALANCE, AND PAIN IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH HAMSTRING TIGHTNESS: A RANDOMIZED COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background
Hamstring tightness is one of the most frequently encountered musculoskeletal impairments among
young adults and is commonly associated with prolonged sitting, reduced physical activity, repetitive
sporting activities, and poor postural habits. Reduced hamstring flexibility may alter lower-limb
biomechanics, restrict hip and knee motion, impair dynamic balance, and increase the risk of
musculoskeletal injuries. Physiotherapists commonly use Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and static
stretching to restore muscle extensibility; however, evidence regarding their comparative effectiveness
remains inconclusive. The present study was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of these two
commonly prescribed interventions in improving hamstring flexibility, dynamic balance, and pain
among young adults with hamstring tightness.
Objective
To compare the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique and static stretching on hamstring flexibility,
dynamic balance, and pain in young adults with hamstring tightness.
Methods
A randomized comparative experimental study was conducted among young adults with clinically
identified hamstring tightness. Participants were allocated into either a Muscle Energy Technique group
or a static stretching group using random assignment. Both groups received supervised intervention three
sessions per week for four weeks. Hamstring flexibility was assessed using the Active Knee Extension
Test (AKET) and Sit-and-Reach Test (SRT), dynamic balance was evaluated using the Y-Balance Test
(YBT), and pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Outcome
measures were recorded before and after the intervention, and statistical analysis was performed to
compare within-group and between-group changes.
Results
Both Muscle Energy Technique and static stretching resulted in significant improvements in hamstring
flexibility, dynamic balance, and pain following four weeks of intervention. Improvements were
observed in Active Knee Extension Test scores, Sit-and-Reach Test performance, Y-Balance Test scores,
and Numeric Pain Rating Scale values in both groups. The Muscle Energy Technique group
demonstrated greater improvements across the measured outcomes compared with the static stretching
group.
Conclusion
Both interventions are effective in improving hamstring flexibility and functional performance in young
adults with hamstring tightness. However, Muscle Energy Technique demonstrated superior clinical
outcomes compared with static stretching, suggesting that it may be considered the preferred
conservative physiotherapy intervention for improving flexibility, balance, and pain in this population.