EFFECT OF SURYANAMASKAR VS DYNAMIC STRETCHING ON HAMSTRING FLEXIBILITY AMONG PHYSIOTHERAPY STUDENTS: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Background: Physiotherapists are looked upon as role models for practicing a healthy lifestyle. They require a good amount of flexibility and endurance to meet the professional demands. Enhanced flexibility of hamstrings plays a crucial role for physiotherapists to maintain good fitness levels and prevent injuries. Suryanamaskar and dynamic stretching exercises have been proved effective in improving hamstring flexibility in various studies. However, no study proves which technique is better. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of Suryanamaskar and dynamic stretching on Hamstring flexibility and also to compare the effect of suryanamaskar and dynamic stretching on Hamstring flexibility.

Methods: This was a comparative experimental study done on 30 Physiotherapy students. The subjects were selected by the inclusion criteria and were equally divided into two groups. Suryanamaskar and dynamic stretching were given as intervention program for four weeks to group 1 and two respectively. The measurements of active knee extension test and back savers sit and reach test were separately assessed for both the groups pre and post four weeks.

Results: Statistical analysis proved that there was a significant effect in increasing hamstring flexibility bilaterally in both groups with a P value<0.0001. Intergroup comparison showed that suryanamaskar was more effective in improving hamstring flexibility bilaterally with a P value<0.0001.

Conclusion: This study concluded that suryanamaskar was more effective to improve hamstring flexibility compared to dynamic stretching exercises.