IMMEDIATE EFFECT OF APPLICATION OF BILATERAL SELF MYO-FASCIAL RELEASE ON THE PLANTAR SURFACE OF THE FOOT ON HAMSTRING AND LUMBAR SPINE FLEXIBILITY: A QUASI EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Background: Flexibility is the ability to move a single or series of joints smoothly and easily through an unrestricted, pain-free range of motion. Decreased hamstring flexibility is considered to be a predisposing factor for lower back pain and injury. The purpose of the study was to see the immediate effect of a single session of self-myofascial release on plantar aspect of foot, on hamstring and lumbar spine flexibility. Methodology: A Quasi experimental study was conducted on 30 subjects who were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group A-self-myofascial release was given. Group B was a control group (no therapy).Baseline and post flexibility was assessed by sit-and-reach test (SRT) and Active Knee Extension (AKE) test. Results: Within group analysis in group A showed significant difference in both AKE (right and left) scores and sit and reach scores (p 0.05). Conclusion: A single session of SMR on bilateral plantar aspect of foot is effective in increasing hamstrings length, but there was no change seen in lumbar spine flexibility in young asymptomatic individuals.