The effects of active release technique on hamstring flexibility: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine if active release technique (ART) significantly increases hamstring flexibility in healthy male participants.

METHODS

Twenty physically active male participants with no current or previous history of lower extremity injury received ART on the origins and insertions of the hamstrings and dorsal sacral ligament. The sit-and-reach test was used before and after treatment to determine hamstring flexibility. Summary statistics were calculated, and pre and post hamstring flexibility scores were compared using a related samples t test.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between the pre- and posttest groups (mean pre = 35.5 cm, df = 19, SD = 7.56; mean post = 48.3 cm, df = 19, SD = 7.07; P = .0015). All 20 participants increased their sit-and-reach scores following the application of ART.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that a single ART treatment increased hamstring flexibility in a group of healthy, active male participants.