Effectiveness of Active Release Technique on Hamstring Tightness in College-Going Students

Abstract

Background: Hamstring tightness is a frequent musculoskeletal condition among college students, attributed to prolonged sitting, poor posture, or athletic overuse. It can restrict range of motion (ROM) and increase susceptibility to injuries. The Active Release Technique (ART) is a manual therapy approach that helps in reducing soft tissue adhesions and restoring normal muscle function. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Active Release Technique in improving hamstring flexibility among college-going students. Methodology: The experimental study included 30 college-going students aged 18–25 years diagnosed with hamstring tightness. Participants underwent ART intervention three times a week for four weeks. The outcome measures included the Ankle–Knee Extension Test, Sit and Reach Test, Popliteal Angle, and Straight Leg Raise Test, evaluated before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test. Results: Statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed in all outcome measures post-intervention. The mean increase in ROM ranged from 20–30%, indicating enhanced muscle extensibility and flexibility. Conclusion: Active Release Technique is effective in reducing hamstring tightness and improving flexibility in college-going students. It is a safe and practical physiotherapy approach for managing soft tissue restrictions and enhancing functional mobility.

Introduction

Hamstring tightness is common among young adults, often due to sedentary behavior or sports overuse, leading to reduced flexibility and potential secondary issues like lower back pain. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Active Release Technique (ART), a manual therapy that applies controlled tension with movement to release soft tissue adhesions, in improving hamstring flexibility in college students.

An experimental pre-post study was conducted with 30 students aged 18–25 years, receiving ART on both hamstrings three times per week for four weeks. Flexibility was assessed using the Sit and Reach Test, Straight Leg Raise, Popliteal Angle, and Ankle–Knee Extension tests.

Results showed significant improvements across all measures, with a 20–30% increase in range of motion (p < 0.05), indicating ART effectively enhances hamstring flexibility. The discussion attributes these benefits to the breakdown of myofascial adhesions, improved circulation, and restoration of normal muscle function. The study supports incorporating ART in physiotherapy for flexibility enhancement and injury prevention, though comparisons with other interventions are suggested for future research.

Conclusion

The study concludes that Active Release Technique significantly improves hamstring flexibility in college-going students. It effectively reduces muscle tightness, enhances range of motion, and can be utilized as a practical tool in physiotherapy to promote better lower-limb function and prevent musculoskeletal injuries.

References

[1] Leahy M. Active Release Techniques: Soft Tissue Management System for the Lower Extremity. ART Corp; 2008. [2] Page P, Frank CC, Lardner R. Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance: The Janda Approach. Human Kinetics; 2010. [3] Ajimsha MS, et al. Effectiveness of Myofascial Release: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2015;19(1):102–112. [4] Schleip R. Fascial Plasticity – A New Neurobiological Explanation. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2003;7(1):11–19.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dr. Aditi Kanade, Dr. Reshma Kosale. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.